Fourth term triggers division among zawiyas in Algeria

A release issued following the International Conference of Zawiyas Union on Thursday did not contain expressions in support of President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, the candidate for April’s elections while he has always stood by their side.

The release called for the rehabilitation and modernization of zawiyas as they include a large category from society.

The three-day-conference was held in the province of Mascara (west of Algeria).

This raised division among the Union’s members as some of them called on its president Mahmoud Chaalal to announce his support to President Bouteflika. Yet, he said he can not do anything but praying God for Bouteflika’s recovery. His remarks pushed some members to take over the microphone and announce their support to the presidential candidate.

Some explained that behavior as the beginning of division inside the Union.

The conference recommended to establish a law on zawiyas and mosques and to create a center to learn the Noble Quran.