[On July 15, two former AQIM commanders called on their former
colleagues to surrender to Algerian authorities. The two, said to have been
close to AQIM chief Abdul Malek Droukdel, called for reconciliation with the
regime and the end of Islamic war in Algeria.]
In 2010, AQIM released a tribal sheik after 26 days in captivity without
receiving any ransom. A similar release was reported in October 2009, also
amid heavy pressure by tribes in Tizi Ouzou.
Al Qaida has been more resilient in its policy toward Western hostages.
AQIM, which demands the release of its members in Algeria, Mali and
Mauritania, has been holding an elderly French national abducted in the
Sahara Desert in April 2010.
In the latest demonstration in Tizi Ouzou, Berbers declared a strike
throughout the Freiha region and on July 9 marched for the release of the
abducted building contractor. Demonstrators, some of them carrying banners
that read "Enough with the kidnappings," expressed anger over AQIM's
abduction campaign, meant to raise funds for insurgency operations.
"We refuse to play this game and will not be intimidated," a marcher
said.
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