L’Algérie est une et unie, son identité nationale n’est pas une matière à surenchère
Summary of the HCA’s Statement on National Identity in Algeria
On Saturday, the Haut Commissariat à l’Amazighité (HCA) issued a statement affirming Algeria’s unity amidst its diverse history, languages, and values. The HCA emphasized that national identity should not be a subject of debate or contention, especially in the face of increasing regional and international challenges.
The statement responded to a recent Emirati television program that reportedly incited hatred and division concerning Algeria’s national identity components. The HCA condemned these efforts as futile attempts to undermine Algeria’s national cohesion, which is anchored in a shared history, rich cultural diversity, and the undeniable reality of an integrated state. It asserted that Algeria remains steadfast in its unity as enshrined in the country’s constitution.
The HCA stressed that national security must be uncompromisingly upheld, and the discourse surrounding identity should not devolve into competition or division. The organization underscored that any assertions to the contrary are mere illusions. It reaffirmed the legal framework reflecting Algeria’s commitment to unity, noting that the constitution explicitly recognizes Amazigh as an official language alongside Arabic, highlighting its historical significance.
In addition, the HCA welcomed existing legal mechanisms aimed at combating hate speech, particularly the law designed to prevent discrimination and hatred. This law serves to safeguard public spaces and institutions against divisive attempts that threaten national integrity.
The HCA urged the necessity of swiftly addressing sources of discord and maintaining zero tolerance towards attacks on any component of Algeria’s Islamic, Arab, or Amazigh identity. It asserted that such incitement transcends the boundaries of free speech, equating it to a betrayal of communal living—a direct threat to national security.
In closing, the HCA called on the judiciary to rigorously apply laws that protect the state, its symbols, and its fundamental unity, emphasizing an unwavering commitment to preserving Algeria’s diverse yet unified identity.
Detailed Rewrite of the HCA’s Assertions
The Haut Commissariat à l’Amazighité (HCA) articulated a firm position on Algeria’s national identity during a public statement released recently. The HCA emphasized that Algeria exists as a single entity, united by its profound historical context, linguistic diversity, and shared values. The message was particularly timely as Algeria faces multifaceted regional and international challenges.
Addressing the divisive narratives propagated by isolated voices, the HCA condemned attempts to erode the national fabric of Algeria through the promotion of hatred and division. This came in light of a recent broadcast by an Emirati television network that reportedly transgressed boundaries by encouraging discord among the various components of Algeria’s national identity.
The HCA’s statement made it clear that such divisive maneuvers, regardless of their organization or financing, confront an undeniable truth: Algeria is a cohesive state, populated by a diverse citizenry united under a common identity. This notion is firmly established in the nation’s constitution, which the HCA reiterated as essential to dispelling any efforts aimed at inciting division.
Further emphasizing the importance of national security, the HCA asserted that any discussion surrounding national identity should not yield to opportunistic debates or contentious rhetoric. They pointed out that Algeria is a nation unified by its history, languages, and values, and any belief in its fragmentation exists only in illusion.
The HCA also acknowledged the legal guarantees provided within the Algerian constitution, which recognizes Amazigh as an official language alongside Arabic, affirming its deep-rooted historical and civilizational significance in Algeria.
Moreover, the HCA praised the government’s legal framework designed to counteract hate speech and discrimination. They highlighted the importance of existing laws that serve to protect public spaces and institutions from divisive rhetoric that could threaten national unity and territorial integrity.
In light of the current challenges, the HCA emphasized the imperative of addressing the roots of discord while maintaining an unyielding stance against those who attack any aspect of Algeria’s identity—Islamic, Arab, or Amazigh. They firmly stated that the incitement to discord does not constitute free expression but rather betrays the principles of coexistence and poses a direct threat to national security.
Concluding their statement, the HCA appealed to the judiciary for strict enforcement of laws that protect the state and safeguard its symbols and unity. They underscored an unwavering commitment to the defense of Algeria’s identity, encouraging unity among its diverse elements as foundational to its national character.
Through this declaration, the HCA reaffirms Algeria’s commitment to a cohesive national identity not merely as a legal matter, but as a vital cultural and social imperative in the face of rising challenges.
