Multi-Sectoral Body to Curb Urban Violence in Algeria

Algeria has officially established the National Commission for the prevention of neighborhood gangs, marking a significant governmental initiative to enhance public safety. The Commission's members were installed in accordance with an order from the Ministry of Interior, Local Collectivities, and Transport, which was published in Official Journal n° 60. This action implements executive decree n° 21-123 of March 29, 2021, outlining the composition and operational procedures for national and wilaya-level commissions dedicated to this crucial preventive work. Mr. Salah Boukaka, a representative of the Minister of Interior, presides over this newly formed national body.

The new Commission is designed to foster inter-sectoral synergy, bringing together a diverse array of stakeholders. Its members include representatives from key ministerial departments such as Justice, Religious Affairs, National Education, Higher Education, Vocational Training, Culture, Housing and Urban Planning, Communication, and Employment. Additionally, the body integrates various constituent forces and specialized institutions, including the General Directorate of National Security, the National Gendarmerie Command, the National Office for the Fight Against Drugs and Drug Addiction, the National Institute of Public Health, and the High Council for Youth.

To ensure a robust and comprehensive strategy, the Commission also includes recognized sectoral experts, notably criminologists MM. Adda Bouhadda Mohamed Amine and Miloud Hammami. This broad and multidisciplinary composition aims to strengthen institutional coordination and adopt a scientific approach to address the challenges of urban violence. Through these concerted efforts, the Commission seeks to implement an an eminently preventive strategy, ultimately working towards sustainably curbing the phenomenon of urban violence and further enhancing public safety across Algeria.