The Socialist Forces Front (FFS) in Algeria is set to hold an extraordinary congress on April 10-11, as announced by the party's preparation commission. The congress aims to unify the party, which has been experiencing internal conflict. Mohand-Amokrane Chérifi and Mohamed Nebbou, co-presidents of the commission, stated that the congress will focus on organizing a sixth ordinary national congress by the end of the year. The party has been facing a deep crisis, with some members supporting Ali Laskri and others backing Ali Belahcel.
The internal conflict within the FFS led to the resignation of three members of the party's Instance Présidentielle, including Chérifi. The party's first secretary, Ali Belahcel, supported the decision, citing the failure of the Instance Présidentielle to protect the party's line and ensure cohesion among its members. Belahcel argued that the crisis is too deep to hold an ordinary congress within the scheduled timeframe. He also involved his rival, Ali Laskri, in the decision-making process, stating that a declaration published on August 11 last year summarized the situation.
Ali Laskri, however, has expressed strong opposition to the extraordinary congress, citing anti-statutory measures and attempts to undermine the party. He claimed that the authorities are trying to manipulate the FFS and that the congress aims to neutralize the party. Laskri also stated that the preparations for the ordinary congress, scheduled for July 2019, are ongoing. The conflict within the party has led to a division, with some members supporting Laskri and others backing Belahcel.
Chérifi and Nebbou, in a joint statement, called for a consensual approach to the extraordinary congress, emphasizing the need for unity within the party. They proposed the establishment of consensual structures at all levels of the party to ensure the inclusion of all militant intelligentsia. The two cadres also appealed to the party's base to mobilize and support the congress. They recognized the party's dislocation and expressed regret over the loss of unity.
The FFS has been facing significant challenges, including the need to accompany the popular movement and address threats to its existence. Chérifi and Nebbou stressed the urgent need for the party to reconstruct its unity and ensure its continuity. They also acknowledged the difficulties and complexities of the congress, anticipating opposition from Laskri's faction.
The extraordinary congress has been necessitated by the party's internal conflict, which has weakened its structures and disoriented its base. The congress aims to elect a new Instance Présidentielle that can organize a sixth ordinary national congress by the end of the year. The party's future and its ability to address the challenges it faces depend on the success of the congress.
The internal conflict within the FFS reflects the challenges faced by Algeria's political parties in maintaining unity and stability. The FFS, a significant player in Algerian politics, must navigate its internal divisions to remain effective. The outcome of the extraordinary congress will be crucial in determining the party's future and its role in Algerian politics.
Key points
- The Socialist Forces Front will hold an extraordinary congress on April 10-11 to address internal conflict and unify the party.
- The congress aims to elect a new Instance Présidentielle and organize a sixth ordinary national congress by the end of the year.
- The party's internal conflict reflects the challenges faced by Algeria's political parties in maintaining unity and stability.
