The consequences of the Algerian hostage crisis
The death of two Romanian citizens in the hostage crisis in Algeria has triggered heated reactions in Romania.
Florentin Căpitănescu, 25.01.2013, 14:19
An area battling poverty and political instability, Africa has become a hotbed of Islamist movements, while the great western powers have been busy with their intervention in Afghanistan and Iraq. The latest violent incidents in Algeria and Mali have attracted the attention of the international community, Romania included.
The death of two Romanian citizens during the hostage crisis at an energy compound in Algeria has re-ignited heated debates about the way in which the Romanian state can guarantee the safety of its citizens working or living abroad, especially in low-security areas. The two deaths, which have triggered strong emotional reactions in Romania, have also fuelled the debate over the reasons behind many Romanians’ decision to work abroad, even in such unsafe areas. Meanwhile, the Romanian authorities are still waiting for the details regarding the forceful intervention of the Algerian army in which as many as 40 foreign citizens were killed.
The jihadist commando responsible for the hostage crisis said they acted in response to the French military intervention in Mali. Since 2012, this country has become a safe haven for Islamist groups linked to Al Qaida and responsible for many executions in the name of Sharia law. Although Romania has a special, long-standing relationship with France, a former great colonial power in Africa, President Traian Basescu said Romania would not send troops to Mali to support the French action. However, as a NATO and European Union partner of France, Romanian was willing to provide logistical support.
