An analysis of the Algerian market: historical, political, economic, internal and regional security issues, the defence market, and recent approvals and refusals UK export licences.
2. Algeria: Headlines
largest country in Africa, four-fifths desert
second most populous in Arab world (37 million)
Africa’s 4th largest producer of oil and world’s 6th
largest producer of gas
battered by violence over past half-century: over 1m
killed in fight for independence from France; 200,000 in
internal conflict in 1990s; high terrorist threat from
AQLIM
Politically stable. President Bouteflika re-elected 2014.
High youth unemployment, gerontocracy and wide
social divisions are rife but contained by the firm grip of
‘le pouvoir’, the country’s long-standing power elite
Some human rights concerns but most licences
approved
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3. Historical Background
Part of Ottoman empire from the 16th
century
conquered by French in 1830
bloody struggle for independence began in
1954 led by the National Liberation Front
(FLN), which came to power on
independence in 1962 and has dominated
politics since
Front Islamique du Salut (FIS) dominated the
first round of legislative elections held in
December 1991
authorities intervened to cancel the elections,
banning the FIS. Vicious civil insurgency
followed, over 200,000 died
FIS declared a ceasefire in October 1997,
disbanded in 2000
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4. Political - Recent
Abdelaziz Bouteflika elected President in April 1999 on a platform of
restoring stability to the country. Re-elected 2004 on a programme of
national reconciliation
violence fell rapidly but one group, the Groupe Salafiste pour la
Prédication et le Combat (GSPC) continued campaign and reformed
themselves as the al-Qaeda Organisation in the Islamic Maghreb
(AQLIM)
Bouteflika re-elected 2009, promising a $150 billion spending
programme. In 2011 introduced some political reforms in response to
the Arab Spring, including lifting the 19-year-old state of emergency
restrictions.
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5. Political - Current
in comparison to its neighbours, a relatively free country. Its press is
allowed to criticize the establishment, and does so regularly
FLN supporters see Mr Bouteflika and the ruling party as guarantors of
stability, prosperity and reconciliation
government constantly reiterates that it is genuine in its desire to
extend democracy but insists that this must be done slowly and in a
way that guarantees stability and maintenance of the peace
citizens powerless spectators to a continued stand-off between le
pouvoir—the entrenched oligarchy that controls the state, the oil money
and the army—and Islamist radicals, who serve as a justification for
ongoing repression
the main Islamist party, the Islamic Salvation Front remains outlawed.
The remaining opposition is weak and divided between Islamist and
secular parties. Parliament merely rubber-stamps laws the regime
wants to pass
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6. Political: President Bouteflika
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won fourth term in April 2014, despite doing no
personal campaigning and rarely appearing in
public after having suffered a stroke in 2013
has won praise from the West for backing the US-led
"war on terror“
At home, many credited him with a return of some
security, though attacks by Islamist militants have
increased again since 2006
state-orientated economic policies have failed to
wean the economy off reliance on oil and gas
7. Internal Security: Terrorism
serious radicalisation, fuelled in part by heavy unemployment and
poor living standards
AQLIM has launched an ongoing series of kidnappings and
bombings targeting the Government and Western interests
Islamist groups throughout Sahara are linking up under its umbrella,
reinforced by arms obtained during the Libyan civil war
Algerian security forces have been successful in countering
terrorism inside Algeria, to the extent that the majority of AQLIM has
relocated to northern Mali
January 2013, major terrorist incident at gas facility near In Amenas.
Algerian Army and Government received a mix of criticism and
praise for handling of the incident (which resulted in the deaths of
the majority of the terrorists, and some hostages).
On 19 April 2014 terrorists attacked the Algerian army in Tizi Ouzou,
killing 11
a French national, kidnapped on 21 September, was reportedly
murdered on 24 September by a group claiming allegiance to ISIL
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8. Internal Security: Protests
In 2001 the government agreed to a series of demands by
the minority Berbers, including official recognition of their
language, after months of unrest.
Algeria did not see large scale uprisings of the type
experienced in Egypt and Tunisia
But strikes and protests are an everyday part of life, mostly
around housing conditions and sector specific issues
(working conditions/salaries)
Most are peaceful, but some have involved clashes between
police and demonstrators
Major protests broke out in January 2011 over food prices
and unemployment, with two people being killed in clashes
with security forces.
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9. FCO Travel Advice
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FCO advise against all travel to areas within:
450km of the Mali and Niger borders, with the exception of
Tindouf town and Tamanrasset city
100km of the Mauritania border
100km of the Libya and Tunisia borders south of the town
of Souk Ahras
FCO advise against all but essential travel to: Tamanrasset
city, In Amenas, Tindouf town, the provinces of Boumerdès,
Bouira and Tizi Ouzou east of Algiers (the area known as the
Kabylie)
Take great care in the remaining areas of the provinces of
Adrar, Tamanrasset and Illizi which are not specifically
covered above, and the provinces of Bordj Bou Arreridj, Bejaia
and Skikda east of Algiers, due to the ongoing threat from
terrorism.
ongoing security operations along the Algeria/Tunisia border
in the Chaambi mountains area, south of Souk Ahras. There is
an increased threat in this area due to the potential presence
of extremists and there have been a number of recent attacks
against security forces.
10. Regional Relations
Morocco:
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Algeria and many other states reject Moroccan administration of Western
Sahara; the Polisario Front, exiled in Algeria, represents the Sahrawi
Arab Democratic Republic;
each accuses the other of harboring militants and arms smuggling;
although there has been no conflict for over 30 years, Algeria and
Morocco are both competitive with their acquisition of military equipment.
Some risk of a regional arms race.
However, although the border remains closed, neither country has an
interest in raising military tensions or destabilising the region.
Libya
in turmoil on eastern border but no sign of overspill to date, though
availability of light weapons is fuelling insurgent groups across the Sahel
11. Economy: Overview
GDP growth: 3.3%, expected to average 5% for 2013-2016
GDP per head: $6,170 (PPP: $14,370)
Inflation: 3.6%
Budget balance (% GDP): -1.7
Population: 40.0m
dominated by oil and gas - 98% of export revenues and 60% of budget revenues. Hit by low
oil price: budget balances at $131. Current price $77
policy of diversification: a $286 billion 5-year spending programme, largely focused on
infrastructure projects including housing, water supply, road & rail links, developing new port
facilities, promoting technology start-ups, developing tourism industry
renewable energy and energy efficiency programme envisages installing 22 000 MW of
generating capacity from renewable sources by 2030 – with 10 000 MW destined for export
to Europe.
Foreign Currency Reserves around $190Bn
poverty remains widespread and unemployment high
Endemic government corruption and poor standards in public services are chronic sources
of popular dissatisfaction.
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12. Doing Business: Strengths
significant government spending over the next 5 years, in particular on
infrastructure projects
Strong economic fundamentals
one of the highest GDP per capita in Africa
Labour costs are low
Foreign currency reserves are around $200 billion
Low inflation
In addition to oil and gas, many other natural resources such as gold,
iron, zinc, uranium, copper, phosphate, tungsten and kaolin. And
enormous potential for renewable energy, in particular solar, wind and
tidal energy.
a hub for Europe, the Maghreb and sub-Saharan Africa
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13. Doing Business: Challenges
absence of a level playing field for all companies, foreign
and domestic
Increased commercial competition from China
lack of transparency in bureaucratic and judicial
processes
unwieldy bureaucracy - decision making can be slow and
complex
lack of reliable information whether statistics, data about
institutions or contact information.
need for personnel to be fluent in French
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14. UK Relations & Trade
bilateral relationship in excellent shape.
UK is one of the largest foreign investors, BP the largest
UK has a strong reputation for quality, innovation, customer service and
know-how
bilateral trade is increasing with the UK ranked as 10th largest supplier
during 2013. Exports in 2013 reached £529m and on course to match that in
2014. Only Nigeria, Egypt and South Africa are significantly bigger markets
for the UK across the continent.
a developing strategic security relationship with Algeria and the PM has
recently made statements confirming that we stand side by side Algeria in
the fight against terrorism
Our offer to them focuses on border control including use of UAVs, counter-
IED training and equipment, explosive trace detection machines to bolster
aviation security, and cooperation to mitigate the threat from MANPADs
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15. Defence & Security Market
has arguably supplanted South Africa as region’s largest and most dynamic market
historically, Russia and Ukraine were leading equipment suppliers. In recent years,
increased activity by Germany and Italy and more recently the US, underpinned by strong
political support
Focus on equipment for:
border security
naval equipment - traditionally from former Soviet Block but they have recently
diversified and are purchasing Frigates and Offshore Patrol Vessels from Germany and
China (despite a long and expensive campaign fought by BAE)
Land Forces requirements and the Air Force’s fast jet procurements traditionally
supplied by the Russians
Any tender related to national security is closed (i.e only sent to specific companies and not
published). If they find a company they want to do business with, the Defence Attaché in
London will contact the company directly.
system is very bureaucratic and even simple decisions are made at an extremely high level
within government
all responses to tender must include an element of technology transfer. There is a very
limited indigenous defence industrial capability but Algeria plan to increase this
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16. Export Licensing Criteria Concerns
1. UK’s International Commitments
2. Human Rights and Internal Repression
3. Internal Situation of recipient country
4. Regional Stability
5. National Security of UK and allies
6. Behaviour of recipient country
7. Diversion
8. Economic Sustainability
+ Other Factors – commercial, political, strategic
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Criteria 1-4 are
mandatory
17. Criterion 2: Human Rights
Crowd Control Concerns:
extensive security establishment is generally regarded to exercise
restraint when dealing with protestors, under orders from the top to
maintain stability in the light of volatility elsewhere in the region
ban on street protests remains in Algiers, due to concerns that they
would be exploited by terrorists. Protests do nonetheless occur in
the capital and are generally broken up by police at the outset
have been instances where the police have been accused of using
excessive force in crowd control, but these appear isolated
for recent large protests (10,000 unemployed in Ouargla), the
police followed top level orders to deal calmly with demonstrators.
This generally meant not carrying lethal equipment, and avoiding
confrontations
cannot rule out an overly strong police action to violent riot
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18. Criterion 2: Human Rights
Counter Terrorism Concerns:
regular soldiers are responsible for securing an area of interest and establishing
a secure cordon, whilst Special Forces (GIS – Special Intervention Group) or the
active military units of the Intelligence services (DRS), are the active pursuers of
suspected terrorists
GIS undertake many operations, but the DRS also frequently intervene and run
operations themselves to reduce the likelihood of a fire fight (and thus
casualties)
CT operations are carried out by the MOD, Gendarmerie and DRS (Intelligence
Agency) and have not involved the police
reports from Amnesty International and the US State Department contain
accusations of human rights violations committed against terrorist suspects,
including: torture and cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment,
unlawful prolonged detentions, incommunicado detentions and unfair trials
But the Algerians recognise that the best way to win public support (which they
term the psychological war on terrorism), and reduce AQIM recruitment, is to
conduct CT efforts within a strict legal framework, bring suspected terrorists in
alive and try them in the judicial system. Genuine effort to pursue this course
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19. Criterion 4: Regional Tensions
although there has been no conflict for over 30 years, Algeria and Morocco are
both competitive with their acquisition of military equipment. Some undesirable
prospect of a regional arms race.
However, although the border remains closed, neither country has an interest
in raising military tensions or destabilising the region.
Overall, little evidence that supply of defence equipment to Algeria will lead to
an increase in regional tensions.
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20. UK Licence Approvals Apr 13-Mar 14
SIELs – Military: £1.9m
military image intensifier
equipment, infrared/thermal
imaging equipment, weapon
night sights (£1m)
components for body armour
components for combat naval
vessels
components for naval gun
installations/mountings
components for military
communications equipment
and military electronic
equipment
components for military
guidance/navigation
equipment
equipment for the use of
military aircraft ground
equipment
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Licences included
22. Refusals and Revocations
Apr 13 – Mar 14
Revocations: 2 OIELs covering:
software and technology for military communications equipment
Refusals: no SIELs, 1 OIEL covering:
components for combat aircraft
components for combat helicopters
components for military aero-engines
components for military helicopters
components for military support aircraft
components for military training aircraft
general military aircraft components
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23. Licensing record
Despite concerns, Ministers have recently approved most applications including:
military equipment likely to be used in support of CT operations
Navy and Air Force. It is not uncommon to see components for naval vessels used for
coastal surveillance, Search and Rescue (SAR) and anti-trafficking operations, or for
Helicopters used for the same purposes
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oil and gas industry and for IT networking or telecommunications equipment for civil end use
Counter-IED and bomb/chemical trace detectors for civil and Government end use
Cryptographic software for civil end use
Many exports going to Germany, Sweden, Italy, South Africa or USA for incorporation into
larger platforms such as MECO 200 Frigates, the SEAHAWK, Super Lynx 300 and Sea
Giraffe for onward sale to the Algerian Navy, Air Force and MOD
Main concerns over exports of equipment:
with clear associations to internal repression
clear link to use in CT Operations, especially in large quantities, could potentially raise C2
concerns in particular guns, ammo, body armour, surveillance equipment, phone
tapping/jamming equipment (such as IMSI Grabbers), radio communications and Armoured
Personnel Carriers (APCs)
24. Conclusions
Relatively stable politically
Significant threats from terrorism
Developing strategic relationship with UK
Increasingly substantial market, open to UK suppliers
Few licensing concerns for the military or civilian end use
Most concerns around surveillance CT equipment for
intelligence agencies or police. But not overriding
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25. Any questions?
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Richard Tauwhare
Green Light Exports Consulting
Email: richard@greenlightexports.co.uk
Web: www.greenlightexports.co.uk
Phone: +44(0)770 311 0880