Ayad: when I kicked Issam al Aryan out of my home (last part)

Boudjemaa Ayad, one of Islamist movement founders in Algeria believes that activists should focus efforts inside the country and not on joining the Muslim Brotherhood. In the last of part of the interview with Echorouk, he called on Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika to continue the process of the National Reconciliation.

You were part of the group which supported the National Reconciliation. How did you get that idea?

Everyone realized the danger of the security crisis. Because of that, it was necessary to seek a solution. Some personalities agreed to meet in Roma.

When there is fire, any available means can be used to extinguish it. The FIS was involved while the regime was excluded superficially. This was a decisive factor in foiling the endeavor.

The group was formed in 1997 and included late President Ahmed Benbela, Abdelhamid Mehri, Ali Yahia Abdennour, Abdelaziz Belkhadem, Khaled Bensmail, Abdelkader Hachani, Boudjemaa Ayad and Said Morsi. Weekly meetings were held.

What was the Reconciliation Group’s activity at that time?

The group has a media-related activity and a part linked to mobilization of Algerian society and influential personalities to join it. A large number of senior officials were part of the group but they operated in secret. We issued releases in Arabic and French. Some members joined human rights associations which visited Algeria.

The group also visited people who wanted to run for office. Of them, Doctor Al Khatib, Ait Ahmed and Djaballah. It called on President Yamine Zeroual to form an independent national commission to investigate in wrongdoings and human rights violation and to allow people to establish human rights associations.

The group managed to agree on one single principle: to save Algeria.

You said dissension at the MSP party was due to the Muslim Brotherhood. Could you give more details about that?

The Muslim Brotherhood bears a part of responsibility for division among Islamist movements. It seems to me that such international organizations believe that Algeria cannot reach the level of world groups. A Kuwaiti delegation visited Algeria after Iraq had occupied Kuwait. Of them, Doctor Khatib from Egypt, Doctor Abdelkader Abu Fares and Cheikh Al Kattane from Kuwait. Some members of the delegation came to my house. Doctor Issam al Aryan who was part of the group did not like my modest house. At present, he is the Vice-President of Egypt. I ordered a colleague to take him to El Aurassi hotel.

Algerians are known for generosity but they reject humiliation.

It is said Menasra was eligible to represent the Muslim Brotherhood in Algeria when he quitted the MSP. Is this right?

At that time, the MSP’s leader was usually the Muslim Brotherhood’s representative in Algeria. Yet, the group which quitted the party alleged that it is recommended by the international organization. A third group appeared and said it wanted reconciliation between the two sides. It called itself the “Reconciliation Commission.” Actually, it sought leadership. When things went viral between them, the Muslim Brotherhood had to freeze them all.

Why did they insist to stay linked to the Muslim Brotherhood?

This was because of division and weakness of Islamists in Algeria due to previous mistakes.

Which mistakes?

Internal efforts became complementary to external ones while it was supposed to be the opposite. That mistake was used to fuel conflict between Islamist movements.

What is the solution?

We need to refer to our historical heritage built by our ancestors during different eras. Many proofs exist. Of them, the Association of Algerian Muslim Ulama and national movements. That does not mean to be narrow-minded but we should always maintain our sovereignty in making decisions.

What is your advice to Islamic tendency representatives in Algeria?

First of all, I do not have any intention to settle accounts with anyone. My plea is not just to the MSP but it is for all the structures and individuals who care about the Islamic project in Algeria. They should stop being selfish and recognize their mistakes.

What is your advice to President Bouteflika?

The Reconciliation Group was very happy when President Bouteflika accomplished a large part of the Reconciliation. Few achievements are left. As a simple citizen, I suffered a lot and I hope that the president complete the Reconciliation process and treat suspended issues. I am talking about security crisis prisoners including those who were released and who remain in jail. I also hope that the president finishes what left in the missing people’s issue.

What do you think about those personalities: Abdelaziz Belkhadem, Ahmed Ouyahia, Abu Djerra Soltani, Abbassi Madani, Ali benhadj, Abderezzak Mokri, Abdelmadjid Menasra,

Abdellah Djaballah and Abderrahmane Saidi?

I prefer to give a comprehensive answer: politics are like weather. Politicians can get obliged to adapt to changes and interest relations.