What Happens Only in Algeria: ATMs Behind Metal Grills!
Ah, Algeria, the country where the art of mismanagement reaches heights worthy of a Nobel Prize in absurdity! In a new chapter of the military regime’s inability to ensure even a semblance of security, the “Generals,” never short on ridiculous ideas, have decided to turn ATMs into zoo cages. Yes, you read that right. Now, to withdraw money, you have to go through a miniature prison… for bills!
The reason? A record rise in crime, and with it, a panic among the authorities. But what do we do to tackle this problem? Police reform? Strengthening the judiciary? Of course not, that would be too logical! Enter the metal grills! A solution that speaks volumes about the authorities’ trust in their own capabilities. Why address the root causes of insecurity when we can turn every neighborhood into a post-apocalyptic dystopia?
This preventive measure, supposedly to “limit thefts,” is greeted by citizens with a mix of anger, despair, and barely concealed dark humor. Instead of tackling the issue at its root, we prefer to tinker with solutions worthy of a low-budget B-movie. Perhaps next, barbed wire around bakeries or security guards monitoring queues. Why not?
But let’s not be too harsh on the Algerian government. After all, it has priorities. Instead of focusing on the needs of Algerians, it prefers to fund the Polisario Front, squander national resources on illogical foreign causes, and ensure that the diplomatic agenda is busy, leaving the interior of the country in total darkness.
Meanwhile, citizens try to survive in an atmosphere of fear and frustration. The assaults, thefts, burglaries? Oh, just little inconveniences of daily life, right? If you’re a victim, the solution is simple: reinforce your house, avoid going out, and pray that the next robbery won’t be yours!
In short, the security situation in Algeria resembles a bad joke that only those telling it find amusing. But don’t worry, dear citizens, as long as there are grills around the ATMs, everything will be just fine. These metal cages are the perfect symbol of a people trapped, while the military regime looks elsewhere, too busy arming the Polisario.
Maybe it’s time for the Algerian officials to realize that the real challenge lies within their own borders. But that’s probably asking the impossible from those who excel at diverting priorities… and responsibilities!
