2021 Algeria wildfires

The 2021 Algeria wildfires are multiple wildfires happening in Algeria since 9 August 2021, and have killed 90 people,[2] including 57 civilians and 33 soldiers. The soldiers died after being trapped in the blaze during rescue operations.[3][4][5][6]

2021 Algeria wildfires
Plumes of smoke over northern Algeria on August 11, 2021
LocationKabylia region, Algeria
Statistics
Date(s)9 August 2021–present
CauseOrganized arson[1]
Deaths90 (57 civilians and 33 soldiers)

On 9 August 2021, many fires started up in the Kabylia region and elsewhere, and Algerian authorities sent soldiers to help citizens with the blazes and evacuations.

On 10 August 2021, multiple fires have burned Mediterranean trees, destroying olive trees and killing cattle and chickens. Many distant villages have very limited water. Some villagers fled, while others tried to hold back the flames themselves, using buckets, branches and rudimentary tools, due to the unavailability of firefighting aircraft.

Djamel Bensmail homicide

Djamel Bensmail, an artist and social activist from Miliana, was reported by the local media to be brutally killed days after the fires in Tizi Ouzou appeared, by a group of people that set him on fire. He was initially charged, baselessly, with the "starting of the wildfire".

Later, a video showing the assault against Djamel Bensmail went viral online, showing his final minutes as he was burned alive and killed for his alleged role. However, social media users identified him as a prominent artist who was present in the area to help residents put out the fires.

In the video, Djamel was pleading with the mob and repetitively insisting that he had no role in the wildfires that were spreading. Furthermore, several members of the group were shouting racist and insulting slang at the victim, such as sale arabe, which is French for dirty Arab. It is believed that several members of this mob appearing in the footage are affiliated with the MAK, an organization that aims to split the ethnic Berber region of Kabyle from the rest of Algeria. The MAK is also accused by Algerian authorities as having separatist aims and an anti-Arab sentiment. Due to this, it is strongly believed that Djamel was in fact guiltless.

The governmental authorities have yet to make an official statement.

References
  1. "Algeria arrests 22 suspected arsonists over deadly blazes". Al Jazeera. 13 August 2021.
  2. "Algerian wildfires still raging, death toll hits 90 including 33 soldiers". Africa News. 15 August 2021.
  3. "Algeria forest fires: At least 65 people killed as fires spread". BBC News. BBC News. 11 August 2021. Retrieved 11 August 2021.
  4. "Incendi, 38 morti in Algeria". ansa.it. ansa.it. 10 August 2021. Retrieved 10 August 2021.
  5. "At least 65 killed in Algerian wildfires". Reuters. 2021-08-11. Retrieved 2021-08-11.
  6. "Incendi in Algeria, i morti aumentano a 65". ansa.it. ansa.it. 11 August 2021. Retrieved 11 August 2021.
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