Algerian authorities force Caritas to close operations

Where does this decision come from?

The Catholic Church in Algeria has announced the "complete and definitive closure of its social assistance agency Caritas Algeria, as of October 1, 2022".

Archbishop Jean-Paul Vesco OP of Algiers and his retired predecessor Archbishop Paul Desfarges SJ said in a press release issued Tuesday that the measure was taken "in accordance with the request of the public authorities".

The reason for the authorities’ decision was not disclosed.

But it is understood that there is still an ongoing dialogue on the issue between Church representatives and the ministry of religious affairs.

What is the context for this closure?

Caritas Algeria, which employs about 40 people, has been running programs the past several years to assist people with physical and mental disabilities, as well as disadvantaged women and children. 

It also works with sub-Saharan migrants, who are increasingly numerous in this overwhelmingly (97%) Muslim country.

The social assistance agency is a diocesan organization that was established in 1962, just a few days before Algeria proclaimed its independence. Despite its name, it is not affiliated with the Rome-based Caritas Internationalis.

However, the Algerian government is closely monitoring associations that have links with any foreign organizations, fearing outside interference, especially in the management of migratory flows.

What will the Church in the area do?

"The decision was difficult to make, but the Church in Algeria will remain faithful to its charitable mission in the service of fraternity, in partnership with all people of good will," insisted Archbishop Vesco.

The Algerian Church does not intend to give up helping the local population.

It justified its commitment by citing the Document on Human Fraternity, which Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Ahmed El-Tayeb, signed in 2019 in Abu Dhabi.

"Faith leads a believer to see in the other a brother or sister to be supported and loved,” says the opening line of the text.

“Through faith in God, who has created the universe, creatures and all human beings (equal on account of his mercy), believers are called to express this human fraternity by safeguarding creation and the entire universe and supporting all persons, especially the poorest and those most in need," the document notes.

What are the reactions?

News of Caritas Algeria’s forced closure generated a lot of reactions on social media, since the agency has the status of  an "association of Algerian law approved by the State".

"Caritas has always worked for the welfare of the poor and those in need. Hopefully this decision will be revised," said a person on Facebook.

"I had the opportunity to do a teacher's training course (at Caritas),” said an Algerian woman. 

“I met wonderful people whose motto was to do good and contribute to the improvement of things in Algeria," she added

(Additional reporting by Christophe Henning.)