By G. Wiza

( Kabylia)– Kabylia has once again been struck by devastating wildfires, reviving painful memories of the catastrophic fires that ravaged its territory in the summer of 2021. That tragedy claimed at least 250 lives, destroyed vast areas of forests, and left thousands of families devastated.

Today, history appears to be repeating itself. Fires erupted almost simultaneously across several parts of Kabylia, affecting eastern, western, and southern districts. The coordinated timing and widespread nature of these outbreaks have raised serious concerns and led many to question whether these fires were deliberately set.

Beyond the immense destruction of forests, wildlife, agricultural land, and infrastructure, the human toll continues to rise. According to provisional reports, at least 13 people have lost their lives, while many others have been injured or displaced.

Wildfires have become an alarming seasonal phenomenon in Kabylia. Yet, despite the recurring disasters, many residents believe that the Algerian authoritarian regime have failed to take adequate preventive measures or provide an effective emergency response. In fact, instead of serving the population, the Algerian military regime only excels and masters repression by arresting and detaining vocal and outspoken activists.

The Provisional President of Kabylia, Ferhat Mehenni, has repeatedly called for greater protection of the civilian population, urging the acquisition of modern firefighting equipment capable of containing and extinguishing large-scale forest fires. These appeals, however, have not resulted in the level of preparedness that many believe is necessary.

As the fires continue to leave a trail of destruction, many inhabitants feel abandoned, forced to rely on their own solidarity and courage in the face of a recurring disaster. This dystopian military regime is facing growing criticism over what many describe as incompetence, negligence, and an inadequate response to the repeated wildfire crises affecting Kabylia.

The people of Kabylia deserve effective protection, modern emergency resources, and a comprehensive strategy to prevent such tragedies from recurring.