The interim president of Algeria, Abdelkader Bensalah, has set up a six-member panel to oversee a national political dialogue. The panel hopes to bring an end to the political crisis crippling the North African country. This panel is also expected to assist in the holding of a successful presidential election.
Bensalah’s six-man panel will be led by former parliament speaker Karim Younes. Other members include two experts in law, an economic expert and two politicians. “National dialogue remains the only way that can guarantee a peaceful outcome in line with what Algerians are expecting,” Younes said.
The panel is now down to five following the resignation of Islamic Movement member and unionist, Abdulwahab bin Jalloul from the group.
What changed in Algeria?
On the 2nd of April, President Abdelaziz Bouteflika stepped down after 20 years in power following mass protests calling for his removal. An election earlier scheduled July 4 was cancelled due to the lack of candidates ready to run at the time.
The protesters are seeking a change of the status quo from the Army which has held sway over Algerian politics since its independence in 1962. Many leaders of the protest movement have been arrested in a bid to clampdown on the unyielding group.
The panel’s scope of work
The panel in a recent statement announced plans to immediately begin consultations with people willing to participate. It listed stakeholders to include civil society organizations, political leaders and members of the protest movement (Al-Hirak).
The dialogue will be followed by a mediation process to reconcile the conflicting proposals. The process will lead to the national conference that will see the adoption of the proposals which will be presented to the presidency. The presidency is expected “to crystallize them (the proposals) in the form of laws, regulations and procedures.”
Following strong criticisms and opposition to the panel across the country, the panel decided to incorporate a youth representative from Al-Hirak in a bid to make it more inclusive. The panel also announced an expanded team of 23 persons to support their work.
Judicial crackdown on corrupt ex-Officials
In a bid to appease protesters, the Algerian judiciary has begun inquiries into former senior government officials with corruption charges against them. Former prime ministers, Ahmed Ouyahia and Abdelmalek Sellal, have been placed in custody on charges including “dissipation of public funds.”
Protesters are also demanding the departure of Interim President Bensalah and Prime Minister Noureddine Bedoui for being part of the “old guard”.
