Algiers, Washington opening new chapter in security cooperation

Algeria works to protect its own border against terrorism, especially with the security situation in neighboring Libya getting worse.

This encourages Algeria to enhance its military cooperation with the United States, through the United States Africa Command (Africom).

Africom Commander Gen. Stephen J. Townsend met September 24 Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and Foreign Minister Sabri Boukadoum and Algerian Army Chief of Staff, Gen. Said Chengriha, along with a number of senior Algerian army officers.

The two sides discussed a wide range of issues, including the situation in both Libya and Mali.

They also discussed future cooperation, especially after the referendum that will be held in Algeria later this year.

Fertile soil

Developments in the region and the resurgence of terrorism in the African Sahel region are apparently encouraging the United States to reformulate its reformulate its security relations with Algeria.

Security unrest in Algeria's southern and eastern vicinity make these areas fertile soil for the activities of terrorist groups that work to harm U.S. interests.

The U.S. is apparently trying to convince Algeria to accept the transfer of its Africa Command to Algeria, a request that was turned down by the Algerian government in the past.

The new Algerian constitution allows the army to participate in peacekeeping missions under the supervision of the United Nations, the African Union and the Arab League.

The same constitution allows the Algerian government to sign military deals with countries with countries with which Algeria has shared interests.