Algeria
After the civil war in Algeria (1991-2001), the government implemented a national demobilization and disarmament programme that pardoned armed fighters if they voluntarily laid down their weapons.[1] Numerous reports also noted that since the beginning of the conflict in Libya, Algeria experienced a significant proliferation of weapons and ammunition from Libya[2] and the Algerian authorities regularly seize weapons and ammunition illegally owned by non-state armed groups, mostly in the zones bordering Libya, Niger, and Mali.[3]
In terms of Weapons and Ammunition Management, Algeria implemented a national legal framework on the possession and use of weapons and ammunition. It is also reported that the Algerian National Popular Army (ANP) notably conducts ammunition disposal activities.[4]
[1] Dalia Ghanem-Yazbeck, “Algeria’s Peace Process: Spoilers, Failures and Successes”, POMEPS Studies 30, 2018, pp. 38-43, https://pomeps.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/POMEPS_Studies_30.pdf.
[2] Jalel Harchaoui, “Too Close For Comfort. How Algeria Faces the Libyan Conflict”, Security Assessment in North Africa and Small Arms Survey, July 2018, p. 11, https://www.smallarmssurvey.org/sites/default/files/resources/SAS-SANA-BP-Algeria-Libya.pdf; Nicholas Marsh, “Brothers Came Back with Weapons: The Effects of Arms Proliferation from Libya”, PRISM 6 (4), (2017), pp. 78-97, https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.2307/26470483.
[3] Francesco Strazzari and Francesca Zampagni, “Illicit firearms circulation and the politics of upheaval in North Africa.” In Triggering Terror Illicit Gun Markets and Firearms Acquisition of Terrorist Networks in Europe, pp. 435-460, https://flemishpeaceinstitute.eu/safte/files/project_safte_eu_neighbourhood_north-africa.pdf; BBC News Afrique, « Importantes quantités d'armes découvertes en Algérie », 31.05.19, https://www.bbc.com/afrique/region-48469321; Algérie Presse Service, « Destruction d’une casemate pour terroristes et récupération d’une quantité d’armes à Tizi Ouzou », 05.04.22, https://www.aps.dz/algerie/138203-destruction-d-une-casemate-pour-terroristes-et-recuperation-d-une-quantite-d-armes-a-tizi-ouzou.
[4] Algérie Presse Service, « Le Général d'Armée Saïd Chanegriha inaugure l'unité de démilitarisation des munitions à Djelfa », 06.08.22, https://www.aps.dz/algerie/143584-le-general-d-armee-said-chanegriha-inaugure-l-unite-de-demilitarisation-des-munitions-a-djelfa.
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Further information
Accidental explosions
Since the beginning of data collection in 1979 by the Small Arms Survey, no accidental explosions have been reported in Algeria.
Source: UEMS Database (December 2021); Small Arms Survey. ‘Unplanned Explosions at Munitions Sites (UEMS)’. https://smallarmssurvey.org/database/unplanned-explosions-munitions-sites-uems.
Cases of diversion
Insufficient information on cases of diversion in Algeria.
Disposal
Destruction, use, or export of ammunition as an indicator of a state’s ability to identify and decrease aging, unsafe, or surplus ammunition.
Insufficient information on the disposal of ammunition in Algeria.
Needs
Further requirements for an effective through-life management of ammunition in the country.
No needs have been reported for Algeria.
