The Algerian opposition party, Front des Forces Socialistes (FFS), has denied rumors that eight former members of its national secretariat would be taken to a mediation commission. The party's first secretary, Mohammed Hadj Djilani, told La Dépêche de Kabylie that the rumors were "intox" and an attempt to destabilize the party. The eight members in question had recently resigned from their positions within the party.
The controversy began when news of the resignations spread on social media and in media circles. Shortly after, rumors emerged that the eight members would be summoned before the party's mediation commission. The FFS has been plagued by internal power struggles, with some members contesting Hadj Djilani's position as first secretary. The party's internal divisions have been exacerbated by disagreements over the interpretation of its statutes.
The eight members who resigned include Belkacem Benamar, Abdelmalek Bouchafa, Hadj Mansour, Boualam Haddad, Ahmed Bouider, Mohamed Achir, Malek Sadali, and Hayat Tayati, a member of the party's presidium. According to sources, they had expressed concerns over Hadj Djilani's reconduction as first secretary, citing alleged violations of the party's statutes. However, Ali Laskri, a party member, had previously disputed these claims.
Chafaa Bouaïche, a former parliamentary group leader who was excluded from the party, responded to Laskri's statements on Facebook. Bouaïche argued that Hadj Djilani's appointment as first secretary was "anti-statutory" and that he did not have the necessary qualifications for the position. Bouaïche cited articles 50 and 42 of the party's statutes, which outline the procedures for appointing the first secretary.
Hassen Ferli, a former communication officer for the party, also weighed in on the controversy. Ferli, who was cited by Laskri in his statement, argued that Hadj Djilani's nomination was indeed illegal due to his lack of membership in the party's national council. Ferli also disputed Laskri's claims that Hadj Djilani's position as first secretary was legitimate.
While the FFS has denied plans to take the eight resigned members to mediation, two other party members are expected to face the mediation commission. According to sources, they are a militant from the Algiers federation and another from the Bouira federation. The party's internal divisions are expected to continue, with the congress scheduled for later this year.
The FFS is set to hold its ordinary congress in July, although some members have expressed concerns over the party's internal divisions and the legitimacy of its leadership. The party's statutes and the law governing political parties in Algeria impose deadlines for the renewal of party instances, which are expected to expire soon.
Key points
- The FFS has denied plans to take eight ex-members to mediation, amid internal power struggles.
- The party's first secretary, Mohammed Hadj Djilani, has dismissed rumors of an impending mediation.
- Two other party members are expected to face the mediation commission.
