The Algerian opposition party, Front des Forces Socialistes (FFS), recently commemorated the 54th anniversary of the assassination of Commander Amar Bouakache, also known as Si Moussa, and his companions. The event took place in Ouacif, a town in the Tizi Ouzou province, and was attended by several high-ranking party officials, including the coordinator of the party's presidential instance, Ali Laskri, and the national first secretary, Hakim Belahcel. The commemoration was marked by a ceremony at the tomb of Si Moussa, followed by a gathering at a memorial stele dedicated to Hocine Aït Ahmed.
The commemoration was an opportunity for the party to reflect on its history and the significance of the date, April 9, 1965, which marks one of the most important events in the FFS's history. The party's militants and officials gathered to pay tribute to Si Moussa, who was known for his commitment to fighting against colonial rule and later alongside Hocine Aït Ahmed. The event was also attended by many former militants who joined the party in 1963 and have remained loyal to its ideals.
During the commemoration, Ali Laskri took the opportunity to criticize the party's former parliamentarians who had their political coverage lifted by the national leadership. Laskri, who is the only deputy to have resigned from the National People's Assembly (APN), expressed his disappointment that the party's deputies had not followed his example and resigned in protest. He argued that if they had done so, it could have sparked a wave of resignations in other parties and potentially weakened the government's position.
Laskri also criticized the government's transition plan, which he described as an attempt to impose a predetermined outcome. He called on the party's militants to mobilize and push for a more democratic transition, in line with the wishes of Hocine Aït Ahmed. The party's leadership has been divided in recent months, with some members supporting the government's transition plan and others opposing it.
The commemoration included a meeting at which party officials and militants discussed the current situation and the party's vision for the future. The meeting provided an opportunity for participants to reflect on the party's history and its commitment to democratic values. The party's leaders emphasized the importance of honoring the memory of the martyrs of 1964 and reiterated their commitment to promoting democracy and social justice.
The event was also marked by a ceremony at a memorial stele dedicated to Hocine Aït Ahmed, who was a key figure in the Algerian opposition. The stele is located in the town of Ouacif, which has a strong tradition of activism and opposition to the government. The commemoration was seen as an opportunity for the party to reconnect with its roots and reaffirm its commitment to democratic values.
In conclusion, the FFS's commemoration of the 54th anniversary of Si Moussa's assassination was an important event that highlighted the party's divisions and its commitment to democratic values. The party's leaders used the occasion to reflect on the party's history and to call for a more democratic transition. The event also provided an opportunity for the party to mobilize its militants and to promote its vision for the future.
Key points
- FFS commemorates 54th anniversary of Si Moussa's assassination amid internal divisions and criticism of ex-parliamentarians.
