Hardly anybody, except perhaps some lunatic or submissive minds, pretend to ignore today what Algeria’s turmoil is. Indeed, nobody knows what the future holds on for us, alas! Algeria is like swimming in an ocean of uncertainty. The situation seems to be getting every day worse and worse in all fields (economy, education, culture, health, politics, etc). As this violent storm is raging, to put emphasis on some prospects in order to get out of crisis is a clear moral duty.
Supposedly too healthy to fall ill (foreign exchange reserves peaked in 2013 after having shown an upward trend since spring 2000), Algeria is in actual circumstances going astray. Why? The divide between rich and poor is becoming wider and wider, poverty has soared and people’s hopes in a democratic transition are completley dashed. For most citizens, this spells that state-system is crumbling, reforms vexing and officials unwilling to solidify or instil change ideal in the heart of society. The monstruous truth is that today nothing schocks them anymore because, on the one hand, political landscape gives the impression to assert positively stagnation (a dramatic set piece). On the other hand, rather than just wondering why their country is going back, people keep saying a lot “enough more blood”, “enough war, tears”, etc., to heal their ravaged soul from the wounds of the famous black decade (1992-2000)! For too long, Algerian officials have closed their eyes to the many-headed hydra of islamism, trying to anaesthetize the memory of the people and get him brainwashed. That strategy was politically wrong as well morally repugnant. Because it has raised many worries for decades. But there are other aspects besides political one, perhaps the most important is illiteracy that is related to rural underdevelopement. Therefore, resignation is creeping in heads and spirits -ie, grass-root masses have no longer stomach for fighting. They surrender to temptation of consuming rent income without thinking about the futrure of younger generations. This is proven to us daily through behaviours in the streets : citizens are allowing themselves to be carried away by selfishness, powerlessness against those who push the logic of pillaging national wealth and wasteful use of public funds to the point of criminality, don’t care attitude, detachment, social hypocrisy, etc. A tendency for fatalism over action is evident everywhere last times (schools, homes, factories, universities, etc). However, officials belatedly wakened by the drop in oil prices, remain big spenders. Although the economy is hard-pressed, they devote precious resources to worthless programs. In any case, it is not sure whether a military man is today the right person to take command of the country. But if the public opinion and the overwhelming majority of citizens believe so, why not? Provided that corruption will be uprooted and Algeria moves forward with minimum of discipline and democratic consensus.
The objective is to securing the boat from sinking, very quickly! In my wiew, this step should be backed by a huge cultural and educational investment. I mean a tremendous project involving civil society, trade-unions, students, workers, elites, etc. A first stage before a political and institutional renewal. But, the key question is, of course, why did we really fail to realize in our democracy? So far, we have seen varying responses : curse of oil, gerontocratic autocracy, long-term colonialism undeniable after-effects, the devastating civil war which had protracted an already complex economic transition, islamism, etc), but non one of these brought forward factors is enough convincing. In recent piece «Reste-t-il encore de l’espoir en Algérie? (Is there still hope in Algeria?) published in the daily newspaper Le Quotidien d’Oran, april 23d, 2015), I have explained how our elites contemplate masses with abject and rather contemptible fear. For instance, they have no qualms about supporting dictatorships all over the world, especially arab elderly governants. Moreover, they haven’t showed to date any willingness to accept any constructive proposal from the opposition (since the controversial Sant’Egidio Rome agreement in early 1995). It is true however that nowhere in the world do elites make gifts to their masses unless these latter strive after fulfilling their own dreams. What Aït-Ahmed, an ancient algerian revolutionary veteran called “the right to self-determination of algerians”. In fact, believing in the eventuality that something might happen without any sacrifices is nonsensical. Meanwhile, my compatriots are not only losing faith in their governing-class but also in themselves as well while they are normally committed to producing cement of the union. This rising sense of pride in belonging to the same country and being able to settle down democratic foundations. Though in throes of moral crisis –to which our fate as algerians is unfortunately bound– since medias revealed numerous corruption scandals at large scale, the «nomenclatura» is still playing its chance to survive. Clans are caught in a bitter power struggle over influence in the state apparatus, prospects look even grimmer as we march towards the end of year. It is a pity that our country continues at standstill on how to approach solution to the current impasse. What is to be done to avoid chaos and relieve such pressure from Algeria? All the joy of independence turned to the gloom, youth are the main victims, held hostage to many illusions : Exile in quest of liveable situation somewhere else in Europe or A.N.S.E.J fake start-up (temporary employment agencies encouraged particularly by the power after Arab Spring revolts) which may necessarily lead them to jails! In addition, our students are not confident in their abilities to produce change given that arabization policies had yet undermined school system. We would imagine that these larger issues in our society daily provide enough pain. Enough pain unfortunately. The deepest one, I believe. Algerians are not only in wrath, they are truculently revolted. A bad feeling which reflects a deep malaise : breakdown of ethics, absence of values, principles, family splintering, etc. In a nutshell, serious problems to be dealt with precaution in the next few years. Citizens have whereas several reasons for being angry. Primarily, this tension is embarassing beacause the fact only to talk about it is like stepping through mine-field. The culture of «hogra» (despise) has stripped algerians of their vital energy (closure of theatres, cinemas, etc), bringing about recently jobless youth grassroots movements and government anti-rallies : anti-shale gas protestes In Salah (south) and mozabite dilemma. The disappointing part of the puzzle is that last time the supposedly most powerful man of the system (the chief of D.R.S) has been fired by president Bouteflika! Does regim attitude change to the better? Or Bouteflika, considering the fragility of his clan, has brokered a deal with his arch nemesis general Tawfik-Médiène, trying to prove to public opinion his total control over the regim? Wait and see!
By the past, army has zealousely played its role as a guardian of the forteress and it can actually seize the historic chance to put power clans on an equal footing. At long last, we can say that Bouteflika has failed to write his name into history since he accepted to run for the fourth term in april, 2014. He made the state something like a whole-time distraction, promoting islamism, and buying social peace at low cost by a set of fake reforms. Undoubtedly, the delay in these reforms is attribuable to the ongoing and constant rivalities between clans. Bureaucracy and incompetence as well. Change cannot be found where it doesn’t exist. It will not come out without solidarity, commitment, and valiant efforts of the whole society. In desperation, our youngs yearning to breathe free actually show a deep hanger for mobility and democracy. Algeria needs all its sons.
Kamal Guerroua
9 novembre 2015
