Journal Article

Berber Challenge in Algeria: The State of the Question

Chaker, Salem

2001

Overview

Even for the non-expert observer of the Maghreb, the Berber parameter has now become an essential element of the political, social, and cultural scene in both Algeria and Morocco. In Algeria, since 1989, a whole series of spectacular actions confirmed the significant adherence of the Kabyle population to the Berber claim. The latest demonstrations across the region by Kabyle youth in June-July 1998, following upon the assassination of Lounes Matoub, remind us that the embers of Berberism are ready to be fanned into flames at any time. In Morocco, the August 29,1994 royal address in favor of the teaching of Berber took place in a quieter landscape, but it truly represents the rise of a Berber aspiration. Albeit admittedly lacking organization and political character, the Moroccan political power machine undoubtedly wanted to anticipate and neutralize it to avoid a possible evolution in \"the Algerian way.\" This paper will be limited to a presentation of an update of the situation of the \"Berber question\" in Algeria, the forces involved, its actors, and the recent and current developments.

• Publisher: Race, Gender & Class,Race, Gender and Class
• Subject: African culture / Algeria / Aspiration / Assassinations & assassination attempts / Berber languages / Constitutional amendments / Ethnolinguistics / Ethnonationalism / Government / Group identity / Islam / Language / Linguistics / Maghreb / Morocco / North African Cultural Groups / Political activism / Political identity / Political organizations / Political parties / Political power / Political risk / Political systems / Politics / Publishing industry / Teaching