The National Reconciliation Process in Algeria During the Bouteflika’s Era: The Official Narrative

Abstract

The political and academic debate over reconciliation in Algeria is inconclusive. Although it faced international criticism, the post-war regime succeeded in enhancing peace and containing the cycle of violence. The national reconciliation process followed a highly controversial peace agreement designed by the Intelligence and Security Department. Then, it was conducted and directed after 1999 by an elected President, Abdelaziz Bouteflika, with the support of a heterogeneous alliance of reconciliation entrepreneurs. This study highlights the main components of the official perspective: how the reconciliation was perceived and concretized, its mechanisms and strategies, and main conceptualizations. It illuminates the official narrative based on analyzing materials, including the president’s statements, interviews, and newspaper archives.