French Socialist MPs to Visit Algeria to Discuss AQIM Threat in the Sahel

French MP for the Socialist Party, Francois Loncle, is due to conduct a work visit to Algeria next 13 September, to discuss with Algerian officials the threat of al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) on the Sahel region.

Mr Francois Loncle told French reporter on Wednesday that he and a group of socialist MPs will visit Algeria to discuss the threat of AQIM, on the aftermath of circulating reports over the possibility that the terror groups have put hands on smuggled modern arms from Libya.

He further expressed fears that the increasing threat of AQIM may expand to other African countries, including Nigeria and Senegal.

“There are real reasons that make us fearing the terror threat of AQIM to reach Nigeria and Senegal, given that it’s getting stronger in the Sahel region;” he said.

Elsewhere, France Volunteers NGO decided to withdraw 90 of its volunteers from Mali and Niger, recently, following the increasing threat of kidnappings by terror groups pertaining to AQIM.

Head of the NGO told a press conference that 60 volunteers have been deported from Mali, while 30 others were brought home back from Niger, following recommendation by the French Foreign Ministry.