Monday 11 June 2012

Algeria: RND punch-up


The sixth session of the National Democratic Rally's (RND) National Council, held in Algiers just after we went to press last week, was distinguished by violent scuffles between supporters and opponents of the prime minister and RND secretary general Ahmed Ouyahia. Security forces had to be called in to restore law and order and separate the protagonists.

According to Echorouk's report of events, Nouria Hafsi, a member of the National Council and an Ouyahia opponent, started handing out leaflets to journalists at the end of the Council's opening session to journalists which called for “the salvaging of the RND Party”. Suddenly, a group of unknown assailants, believed to be some of Ouyahia's thugs, stormed the premises and roughed up Nouria Hafsi, forcing the security forces to intervene.

The party situation and Ouyahia's position remain unclear. According to the Echorouk report, many of the party dissidents have called for the holding of an extraordinary party congress meeting at the earliest possible time in order to elect a new RND leadership, supposedly with a view to preparing for the next local elections.

For more news and expert analysis about Algeria, please see Algeria Focus and Algeria Politics & Security.

© 2012 Menas Associates

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