Al-Sharq al-Awsat, London, March 4
The difference between the demonstrations that are currently unfolding in Algeria and the demonstrations currently unfolding in Sudan is in the nature of the challenge to the political system in each country. In Sudan, President Omar al-Bashir is synonymous with the regime. In Algeria, President Abdelaziz Bouteflika is the head of government. If Bouteflika leaves his post – as a result of a public uprising or quarrel with the military – this departure will be perceived as a resignation from power. But in Khartoum, the desired political change is comprehensive. The Sudanese people want to reform and revolutionize their entire political system; not just their head of government. Therefore, change in Sudan will be achieved only through violence, resulting in a bloodbath akin to what we’re seeing in Syria today. However, presidential change in Algeria is possible and will not have much impact on the Algerian state. President Bouteflika is a distinguished national figure, respected by the old generation of the Algerian people. But most of Algeria’s 40 million people today are young people who do not care about their nation’s old leaders. The insistence to push forwards Bouteflika’s candidacy for the fifth time in a row is a bad idea. Bouteflika has been president of Algeria since 1999. It is time for him to clear his spot for a young leader who will march Algeria forward. This reminds me of what happened to the great historic Tunisian president, Habib Bourguiba: his insistence on staying in the president’s office led to his subsequent ousting by Interior Minister Zine El Abidine Ben Ali in 1987 and the end of the country’s civil rule. We don’t want this to happen to Bouteflika. The regime in Algeria is strong, much like the regime in Egypt, and is based on a strong military establishment which is the backbone of the state. Changes cannot occur without the latter’s approval. The military will intervene if it feels that there is a danger to the stability of the country. The prolongation of this presidential crisis will only send more Algerians to the street. The relationship between the various political parties will be shaken and political divisions will widen. Civil strife will be exacerbated. This will be bad for the nation. The region around Algeria is ablaze: Sudan is in serious turmoil, Libya is in a bloody eight-year war, and Tunisia has been consistently unstable. Therefore, all eyes are set on Algeria right now. As the largest country in Africa and the key to the stability in North and Central Africa, Algeria is a top priority not only for the region, but also for Europe. Algeria is bigger than Bouteflika. He must step down with honor and dignity and allow a successor to take his place. –Abd al-Rahman al-Rashed