Algeria sets up security commission to inquire into Berriane events

A security commission is expected to start on Wednesday investigating Beriane's inter-community clashes which left numerous casualties during the course of last year.

• The security commission which includes representatives of the National Gendarmerie and Police came following a request from local elders to the minister delegate in charge of local assemblies and municipalities Dehou Oueld Kablia.
• It will focus on the causes behind the violence and identify the stokers of tension.
• It will work under direct supervision of the Prime Minister Ahmed Ouyahia and follow up of President Abdelaziz Bouteflika who gave stringent instructions meant to end the conflict.
• The commission is expected to release a final report with detailed explanation about what happened during the course of last year.
• It will be followed by concrete measures to prosecute people accused of perpetrating the violent acts or triggering the inter-communal conflict.
• Earlier in March, local elders and Dehou Oueld Kablia agreed upon a road map which includes 15 clauses including action to restore security, reject violence and tackle  problems to resolve the lingering crisis for good.
• Witnesses said they saw masked men involved in the riots by attacking people and houses.
• The situation in Beriane would have been worse each time clashes took place if wise local elders did not intervene to quell the violence.