Ait Ahmed quits FFS leadership

Leader of the Socialist Forces Front (FFS) Hocine Ait Ahmed Friday said he will not run for another term at the head of the party, describing his decision as an “event” which will “give a sense to a real democratic change in Algeria.”

In a letter to the FFS’s National Council, Ait Ahmed said he decided to quit his position as the party’s chief. “My convictions and passion are still alive as they were, 70 years ago but life imposes this.”

The FFS is expected to hold its fifth congress in 2013.

Ait Ahmed, 86, said he made that decision to give a chance to the new generation to lead the party. “It’s time to pass on the torch. This event will give a sense to democratic change in Algeria.”

He added that he will remain in service of the party’s members and he has the intention to launch “Hocine Ait Ahmed Institution.”

The opposition party’s leader warned against a possible brutal civil war in the Sahel region which would shake regional stability, northern Africa and the Maghreb. “The Malian crisis is fuelled by the global financial crisis and unrest in the region.”

He believes that people in the region may found themselves in the hands of enemy forces.