Berbers reclaim place in history

Berbers say their role in Algerian freedom is underplayed

By North Africa correspondent David Bamford

Tens of thousands of ethnic Berbers in Algeria have taken over what was due to be an official ceremony marking a key date in the history of the country's independence war 45 years ago.

They marched into the Soummam Valley, near the Kabylie town of Bejaia, forcing official delegations to stay away.

The demonstration was called by Berber leaders to further press their demands for cultural recognition and social justice in the wake of four months of clashes with security forces in which 60 civilians have been killed.

Riot police have stopped previous marches from reaching Algiers

The Berber elders have organised a series of mass marches in their campaign of protest sparked by the clashes in April.

But the last two Berber demonstrations due to take place in Algiers were thwarted by the authorities, who managed to block off all main roads between the Berber-speaking region and the capital.

Tables turned

Now the Berbers have responded by adopting the same tactic - blocking off roads to the Soummam Valley in the heart of Kabylie.

Normally every year official delegations assemble to commemorate the historic conference there that set the tone for the independence struggle against the French colonial power.

But tens of thousands of Berbers hijacked this year's ceremony, obliging the official delegations to stay away.

Security forces were also absent and there were no reports of unrest during the march.

The Berbers have always complained that their leading role in the independence war has been downplayed by Algeria's majority Arab community.

Now is the time, their organisers said, for the people to reappropriate their historic dates.