Berbers announced last week that they will not continue negotiations with the Algerian government unless they concede to their demands. Berbers, especially in the Kabylie region, are seeking more autonomy and more cultural rights, and complain of heavy discrimination by the Arab majority. The recent release of detained militants, according to one of the detainees, Belaid Abrika, was not enough to sway Berber groups to navigate an end to the stand-off. Specific demands include the removal of the police force from Kabylie and the recognition of the Tamazight language as official. These negotiations have become particularly timely for the government as maintaining this region bolsters President Abdelaziz Bouteflika’s chances of re-election in next year’s elections.
