American praise for Algeria’s role and its pioneering experience in the field of combating terrorism – the new Algeria

During a discussion and listening session devoted to discussing the security challenges in North Africa and the Sahel region, members of the US Congress highlighted that Algerian-American cooperation in the field of combating terrorism constitutes one of the axes of the positive partnership between the two countries, stressing that issues of regional security and combating extremist organizations remain realistic and necessary areas for strengthening bilateral cooperation, in light of the increasing challenges facing the Sahel region and North Africa.

The participants confirmed their clear appreciation for the Algerian role, considering that the approach taken by Algeria in combating terrorism is based on long practical experience, accumulated over years of direct confrontation with terrorism, which has given it field experience that is seen within international security circles as a model that can be used and cooperated. Members of the US Congress also pointed out that Algeria is a pivotal actor in promoting regional stability, thanks to its historical experience in confronting terrorism and its adoption of a comprehensive approach that combines security treatment, the preventive dimension, and supporting the stability of neighboring countries, especially in the Sahel region, which is witnessing worsening security fragility.

According to observers, this praise reflects a growing awareness within American institutions of the importance of the role that Algeria plays in maintaining the regional security balance, and of its position as a reliable partner in the files of combating terrorism and violent extremism, in an international context characterized by the complexity of cross-border threats.

Algeria is considered one of Washington’s most prominent regional partners in the field of combating terrorism and transnational organized crime in the region, and this has become clear through numerous visits by American delegations to advance joint cooperation in this field, in light of the state of instability and geopolitical tensions witnessed in the region, especially the Sahel and the Sahara.

On January 22, 2025, Algeria and the US Military Command in Africa (AFRICOM) signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance military and security cooperation, during the third visit of AFRICOM Commander Lieutenant General Michael Langley to Algeria. This cooperation aims to promote regional and international peace and stability and confront cross-border threats. It also aims to strengthen military and strategic partnership, deepen security relations, and exchange views on regional stability. The memorandum of understanding was signed by Lieutenant General Said Changriha, Minister Delegate to the Minister of National Defence, Chief of Staff of the People’s National Army from the Algerian side, and Commander of the US Africa Command (AFRICOM), Lieutenant General Michael Langley from the American side.

The first team said in his speech on the occasion: “The partnership between the two countries is currently witnessing a positive dynamic in various fields, including the fields of defense and security, as this dynamic reflects our will to advance this partnership to the highest levels, in a way that serves the interests of both countries.” From this standpoint, we commend what distinguishes the Algerian-American military cooperation relations, which are based on rationality, pragmatism, and constructive and purposeful dialogue aimed at establishing a sustainable partnership.” For his part, General Michael Langley expressed his happiness at visiting Algeria and his constant aspiration to work on strengthening military cooperation relations, praising the level of multidimensional coordination between the two parties, as well as the contribution of the People’s National Army in establishing security and peace in the region.

The Commander of the US Military Command in Africa (AFRICOM), Lieutenant General Michael Langley, during his visit to Algeria in July 2024, previously stressed the “pioneering” and “pivotal” role that Algeria plays in combating terrorism and achieving security and stability in the Sahel region. After being received by the President of the Republic, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, General Michael Langley said: “Algeria shares some concerns with the United States of America regarding the expansion of violent extremist organizations throughout Africa and sub-Saharan Africa, specifically in the Sahel region,” stressing that it “has played a leadership role in combating terrorism in the past and present throughout this region.”

In addition, the Washington Institute for Near East Policy previously stressed that Algeria has a good reputation and can be a major security partner for the United States in an increasingly volatile region, adding that the United States of America has already begun to invest in deepening this bilateral relationship, and that Algeria has demonstrated its desire to strengthen relations between the two countries. The American Institute also said that “Algeria’s position as one of the largest energy producers in Africa, which is strategically located along the Mediterranean maritime trade route, qualifies it to be a strong partner, given that it has great experience in combating terrorism, and plays a major role in the security and counter-terrorism programs of the African Union, as well as its continued hosting of the African Center for Studies and Research on Terrorism of the African Union, which makes it a partner and can be its alternative.”

Abdo.H