A recent surge in forest fires has ravaged the Tizi-Ouzou region in Algeria, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. According to Youcef Ould Mohand, director of the conservation of forests in Tizi-Ouzou, the fires have affected over 20 communes in the region. The devastating impact of the fires has prompted Ould Mohand to sound the alarm and point fingers at what he describes as a "land mafia" responsible for the blazes.
The scale of the destruction is staggering, with over 1,450 hectares of various types of vegetation reduced to ashes. Since June 1, a total of 167 fire incidents have been recorded, with some fires burning for several days before being brought under control. The massive fire that broke out in the Tifra region near Tigzirt-sur-mer last week is a prime example of the ferocity of the blazes. Firefighters and other responders worked tirelessly to contain the flames, with aerial support deployed to combat the inferno.
Ould Mohand has been categorical about the criminal origin of some of the fires, citing evidence that suggests they were deliberately started. The fire that ravaged the Djurdjura National Park in Tala Guilef is a case in point, with the conservation chief pointing out that the blaze began in a humid area, a clear indication of human involvement. Similar fires in other communes, including Tigzirt, Ait Chafâa, Azeffoun, Mizrana, and Iflissen, are also believed to have been started deliberately.
According to Ould Mohand, the objective of those responsible for the fires is to grab land, with the "land mafia" seeking to exploit the situation for their own gain. The conservation chief has also expressed concern about a campaign of disinformation on social media, which he says aims to exaggerate the damage caused by the fires and undermine the efforts of responders.
The situation has been further complicated by attempts to "politicize" the issue of forest fires, with some parties using social media to spread false information and sow confusion. Ould Mohand has moved to set the record straight, dismissing rumors of massive losses of monkeys in the fires. He emphasized that no evidence, including bones or other remains, has been found to support these claims.
In fact, Ould Mohand pointed out that the photos circulating on social media about monkey deaths were not taken in Algeria. He noted that the only species of monkey found in Algeria is the Magot, and there is no credible evidence to suggest that they have been affected by the fires. The conservation chief's comments are aimed at separating fact from fiction and reassuring the public that responders are doing everything in their power to combat the fires.
As the situation continues to unfold, Ould Mohand's warnings about the "land mafia" and disinformation campaigns serve as a reminder of the complexities surrounding the forest fires in Tizi-Ouzou. With efforts to contain the fires and investigate their causes ongoing, the Algerian authorities face a daunting task in addressing the ecological and social impacts of these devastating blazes.
Key points
- The "land mafia" is suspected of starting forest fires in Tizi-Ouzou to grab land.
- Over 1,450 hectares of vegetation have been destroyed in the fires.
- Algerian authorities have recorded 167 fire incidents since June 1.
