Interview with Moroccan Amazigh Democratic Party chief Ahmed Dgherni

16/10/2008

The Amazigh World Congress will hold its fifth meeting later this month in Meknes, Morocco. Moroccan Amazigh Democratic Party chief Ahmed Dgherni speaks to Magharebia about the Congress and about broader issues facing the Maghreb.

Interview by Naoufel Cherkaoui for Magharebia in Rabat – 16/10/08

[Naoufel Cherkaoui] Ahmed Dgherni, Secretary-General of the Moroccan Amazigh Democratic Party.

On October 31st, the Fifth Amazigh World Congress will convene in Meknes, Morocco. Following some difficult deliberations over the location of the event, member groups of the Federation of Amazigh Associations chose the historic city for the three-day event that will emphasise unity among Amazigh people from across the region.

Ahmed Dgherni, Secretary-General of Morocco's Amazigh Democratic Party (PDAM) spoke with Magharebia recently about the Congress and the state of Amazigh affairs in his country.

Magharebia: What is the agenda of the Congress this year?

Dgherni: Our long-standing agenda is to gather the biggest Amazigh organisations this year. What is new this time is the fact that Algerians at home have paid greater attention, as opposed to before when more Algerian exiles did.

Magharebia: The Amazigh World Congress is accused of lacking a clear action plan, regulatory incapacity and inefficiency.

Dgherni: The Congress is made up of volunteer associations that are not getting any support and which are placed under a media siege and face communication and freedom of movement obstacles. This situation is aggravated by the closed borders between Morocco and Algeria and the Sahara Conflict. The Congress should not be blamed for everything.

Magharebia: What did you tackle in your meetings with some of the Algerian parties?

Dgherni: During those meetings we dealt with Moroccan-Algerian relations in general. Our main concern, though, was opening the border between the two countries. The national movement parties have inherited conflicts with Algeria that operate against the interest of the new generations in both countries. We are determined to overcome those conflicts to create political relations between both nations through the new parties.

Magharebia: Why did you ask the European Union to reconsider Morocco’s movement toward advanced status?

Dgherni: Morocco is living in an atmosphere of suppression. The most obvious evidence is the incidents taking place this year in Sidi Ifni and elsewhere, with students being arrested. Therefore, we approached the European countries because they are part of the good neighbour agreement and the partnership signed with Morocco.

Magharebia: Wouldn’t that be regarded as hindering the flourishing of economy in Morocco?

Dgherni: What we are basically concerned with is Chapter 2 of the agreement which stipulates that Morocco must respect human rights. Doesn’t violating human rights hinder the flourishing of the economy?

Magharebia: How do you assess the conditions of the Amazighs in the Arab Maghreb states?

Dgherni: First of all, I am against the term "Arab Maghreb states", because they are not Arab. Maghreb states are for all residents of the Maghreb. The condition of Amazigh culture in the region is in constant progress, since there is communication among nations and because the Amazigh culture has become a common factor in the entire region. Amazigh culture will enjoy a prosperous future if the Amazighs in the region unite.

Magharebia: What are the grounds of your long-standing clash with the Istiqlal party?

Dgherni: The [Istiqlal] party imposed the policy of Arabisation when it was the dominant party and it still holds on to Arabisation, which is the essence of our disagreement.

Magharebia: Do you accuse Minister of Communication Khalid Naciri of being behind the delay in launching the Amazigh channel?

Dgherni: Since he is a minister in charge of the communication sector, he has to take responsibility. I consider the minister the main obstacle delaying the launch of the channel because he is not serious about the project.

Magharebia: As an Amazigh movement in Morocco, what are your demands?

Dgherni: We are asking for constitutional reforms, such as recognizing the Amazighs and separating authorities. We disagree with the authority, which imposes the power of scholars on society. Further, the state does not respect human rights. We are also asking for environmental reforms such as preserving forests and refraining from confiscating lands from some demographic groups. We are also asking for the protection of the mineral wealth that is being plundered as well as the marine wealth. Our demands are too many to list here.