Armed movement asks President Bouteflika to benefit from National Reconciliation

The so-called the Movement of the Sahara's Sons for Justice decided to stop its armed and outlaw acts after a year and six months of armed violence.

The so-called the Movement of the Sahara’s Sons for Justice decided to stop its armed and outlaw acts after a year and six months of armed violence.

Thus, the movement pulled the rug from under the feet of the so-called Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb which had alleged that the movement was a “branch” or an “armed cell” of its network in the desert.

The movement which was behind an attack on Djanet’s airport southern Algeria in November 2007 asked for enabling its elements to benefit from the Charter for Peace and National Reconciliation.

 “In this way, the movement admitted its errors,” say observers.  

The Sahara’s Sons against separation and armed acts 

According to a statement issued by the Movement of the Sahara’s Sons for Justice, most of the movement’s demands are social ones.

The movement said it did not want to get separated. That means it is against the movements which call for separation, autonomy and dividing Algeria into different territories, observers say.

The movement alleges in its statement that it is attached to the national integrity and the armed acts were an obligation for it and not optional.

 “The armed acts will be ended once serious negotiations are opened,” said the statement.    

A call for Peace and Reconciliation 

The movement also said it accepts physical and moral support in Algeria and abroad, which is believed as a call for foreign interference in the country’s domestic affairs.

Observers believe that the “armed acts” are “crimes” against the law and the State which target its stability and safety.

Even if the Movement of the Sahara’s Sons washed hands of terrorist organizations, it can not justify the armed acts under any excuse.

According to the statement, the movement presents a set of proposals including the review of the legislative system to make it appropriate for the desert’s characteristics. It also asks for reviewing the budget allocated to the desert provinces.

 The movement calls on the government to care for agriculture and livestock in the desert as well as setting up wells and water storages.It also asked for exemption from taxes and caring for leisure facilities. 

Unreasonable demands 

The statement which includes 21 proposals calls for appointing a minister for every five provinces and five ambassadors as well as ten consuls for each province.

Observers consider this demand as unreasonable and say it remains among the State’s prerogatives.

“It can trigger regionalism and push other movements to call for justice and equity,” they say.

The Movement of the Sahara’s Sons addressed eight demands to public authorities including study abroad scholarships for the desert provinces, allocating four travel tickets for college students per year, the appointment of an advisor of the republic’s president in charge of the desert affairs.