Algeria to arm Tuaregs?
 

BBC News - Algeria to arm civilians against Islamist militants

.... The regions in which civilians may be armed were not specified, but the BBC's Chloe Arnold in the capital, Algiers, says the interior minister may be referring to Tuareg tribespeople in the Saharan region.

Do you think this is good news, or not so much?

I'd say it's not a great idea - that's what the army is for. It seems an odd story.

Ch

It probably does refer to the Tuareg - a bone of contention they have brought up in recent meetings about the problems in the region is that they disarmed some time ago on the understanding that the armies of the region would provide a semblance of order, only to find now that a) the armies aren't effective and b) they have nothing with which to use against AQIM. They are unhappy that their region is now associated with lawlessness and Islamic militancy.

I'm not sure about the suggestion that the Algerians will arm them "to fight the militants" as such, it's more a case of just letting them have their guns back. But as Chris says, ideally the army would be doing the fighting.

Your description Richard sounds more like north Niger or more particularly north Mali these past 20 years, rather than Algeria - even today.

I would have thought if anyone wants arming in Alg, it's the local people who are terrorised by AQIM/GSPC in the forests of Kabylie - but army actions seem to be continuing there.

Ch

What region would that refer to - Djanet? :huh:
(haven't seen it reported on Alg websites)
I would guess it means that the locals will be allowed to carry arms openly.
But perhaps not running around in 'technicals'.