Movement for the Self-Determination of Kabylia

History

The organization started the Movement for the Autonomy of Kabylia and was formed after the events of the Black Spring in Algeria in 2001,^[4] during which protests by local Kabyle communities and activists was met with violence from the Algerian state which resulted in 128 deaths.^[5]

The Movement for the Autonomy of Kabylie renamed itself into the Movement for the Self-Determination of Kabylia in 2013, marking a shift from demands of regional autonomy into independence. The newly renamed organization demanded a referendum among the population of Kabylia for a vote of independence.^[6][7]

On 14 December 2025, MAK symbolically proclaimed the independence of Kabylia from Paris, France, though this had no material effect, and was not recognized by any country on earth.^{[failed verification][8]}

Allegations of terrorism

Since 2021, the MAK has been classified as a terrorist organization by the Algerian government after the Algerian authorities alleged that MAK members were planting car bombs.^[2] The founder of MAK, Mehenni, was arrested by the French authorities and placed in police custody in 2021 as part of an investigation into organised money laundering in relation to sports betting.^[9]

The MAK consistently denies any involvement in violent or terrorist activities, and calls them unproven accusations by the Algerian government.^[10] MAK also states that it's a pacifist movement with no objectives of armed insurgency.^[11]

Algerian authorities accused MAK of ordering the widespread 2021 Algeria wildfires in the region of Kabylia.^[12][13] Five members of MAK were convicted in absentia for involvement in the murder of Djamel Ben Ismail on August 11, 2021. Among the members was the organization's leader, Ferhat Mehenni.^[14] On August 26, 2021, Algeria issued an international arrest warrant for Ferhat Mehenni.^[15] According to Amnesty International, the Algerian government sentenced at least 10 individuals to death solely "based on their political affiliations or alleged ties to the Movement for the Self-determination of Kabylie (MAK)"^[16] in what it describes as unfair trials.^[17]

In October 2021, Algerian authorities claimed to have thwarted a plot by MAK to carry out armed attacks in Algeria, allegedly planned by Israel and "a country in North Africa." 17 suspects were arrested as they were preparing the attacks.^[18]

In August 2024, Algeria foiled a terrorist plot allegedly linked to the MAK. The plan involved smuggling firearms to Algeria via Béjaïa from Marseille, France, ahead of the 2024 Algerian presidential election. Authorities arrested 21 individuals and seized 46 firearms, along with ammunition, foreign currency, and GPS devices.^[19]

Anti-Arabism

MAK has been accused of anti-Arab sentiment by it's opponents,^{[22][10][23][11][24]} and statements by officials of the organization have had similar intonations. Its views have also been described as nativism and populism, wherein they oppose "colonial Arabo-Islamism" in North Africa, recognizing Kabyles as indigenous people distinct from Arab Algerians.^[25] Senior MAK figures such as Bouaziz Ait Chebib have described their struggle as being against what they see as an "Arab-Islamic yoke" imposed on Kabylia.^[26] Sources note that MAK members have chanted racist slogans calling for the "departure of the Arabs from Kabylia."^[27]

Algerian authorities have completely suspended the activities of MAK in Algeria, accusing it of being a "separatist and racist movement" against Arabs, especially since according to the government, the issue of Kabylia is a matter of unity and ethnocultural diversity.^[28] During the 2024 trial of 24 MAK members, the Algerian judiciary charged the group with "spreading ideas that encourage division, discrimination, and hatred."^[29]

French journalist Slimane Zeghidour noted that MAK is consolidating itself on foundations that are "openly anti-Arab, anti-Islamist, and pro-Israeli, including during the Gaza war."^[30] Algerian Kabyle pubisher Amar Inegrachen characterized MAK as a fascist and far-right movement that goes as far as invoking "fascist and racist discourse" and "racial terminology" and evoking "Kabyle blood." He also noted that MAK did not simply develop separatist and racist rhetoric, but its supporters "transformed themselves into a veritable political militia" who stigmatize opponents of their ideals as "traitors."^[31] According to Abdennour Toumi, Algerians, including a large majority of Algerian Berbers, see MAK leaders as racists and fanatics.^[32]

Pro-Israel

MAK leader Ferhat Mehenni has long been an outspoken supporter of Israel, drawing comparisons between his own cause and the Zionist cause.^[33] He made a visit to Israel in 2012, met Likud hardliners such as Danny Danon, and took part in a pro-Israel demonstration in Paris in October 2023 amid the Gaza war. The relation has been described as consistent with Israel's periphery doctrine.^[34] In early 2026 members of the Israeli Knesset spoke out in favor of the Kabyle cause and proposed an initiative to study potential Israeli recognition of Kabylian independence. Aksel Bellabbaci, advisor to Mehenni, reacted to the proposal positively and stated that the initiative increased the visibility of the Kabyle cause.^[35]