Algerian army chief of staff, General Gaïd Salah, has reaffirmed the Algerian People's National Army's (ANP) commitment to contributing to a resolution of the country's ongoing political crisis through the application of Article 102 of the Constitution. In a statement released on the evening of March 30, 2019, Salah emphasized that this approach aligns with the people's demands and ensures the continuity of the state institution. He highlighted that the ANP's proposition is grounded in the constitutional framework.
Salah's statement comes amid growing tensions and efforts to undermine the ANP's credibility. He accused certain unnamed parties of planning to discredit the ANP and thwart the legitimate aspirations of the Algerian people. The army chief detailed that these parties are preparing a media campaign aimed at convincing the public that the people reject the application of Article 102. He warned that any attempts to contravene the constitutional legality or harm the ANP would be met with all available legal means.
The ANP's push for the application of Article 102 is seen as a key mechanism for achieving a stable political situation and preventing the country from descending into chaos. Salah's emphasis on this article is part of a broader strategy that includes invoking Articles 7 and 8 of the Constitution, which stipulate that sovereignty belongs to the people. By invoking these articles, Salah is appealing to the Algerian people's sovereignty and strength to support his approach.
The urgency of the situation was underscored by Salah's recent meeting with senior military officials, including the secretary general of the Ministry of National Defense and the head of the first military region. This meeting, held in the vicinity of Algiers, signals the high level of attention being devoted to addressing the crisis. Salah's actions suggest a determination to counter any maneuvers aimed at undermining his efforts to resolve the crisis through constitutional means.
In his statement, Salah revealed that a group of individuals, whose identities will be disclosed in due course, held a meeting on March 30, 2019, to orchestrate a virulent media campaign against the ANP. The goal of this campaign, according to Salah, was to mislead public opinion into believing that the Algerian people reject the application of Article 102. He described these actions as "suspect" and "totally unacceptable."
The Algerian political crisis has been marked by widespread protests and demands for systemic change. The ANP's role in addressing the crisis has been significant, with Salah emerging as a key figure in the push for a constitutional solution. His efforts have been met with both support and resistance, with the Constitutional Council yet to engage with the proposals.
As the situation continues to evolve, Salah's call for popular support and his emphasis on the importance of adhering to the Constitution are likely to remain central to the ANP's strategy. The outcome of these efforts and the response from various stakeholders will be crucial in determining the future trajectory of Algeria's political crisis.
Key points
- Algerian army chief Gaïd Salah reiterates support for applying Article 102 of the Constitution to resolve the country's political crisis.
- Salah accuses unnamed parties of planning to discredit the ANP and thwart the legitimate aspirations of the Algerian people.
- The ANP's push for the application of Article 102 is seen as a key mechanism for achieving a stable political situation and preventing the country from descending into chaos.
