Plate-forme pour une solution politique et pacifique de la crise algérienne (Plate-forme de Rome)

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Country/entity: Algeria
Region: Middle East and North Africa
Agreement name: Plate-forme pour une solution politique et pacifique de la crise algérienne (Plate-forme de Rome)
Date: 13 Jan 1995
Agreement status: Multiparty signed/agreed
Interim arrangement: Yes
Agreement/conflict level: Intrastate/intrastate conflict
Algerian Civil War (1990 - 1998)
The conflict has involved secularist and Islamic political forces. After the Front Islamique du Salut (FIS) won local councils and the first round of national elections in 1990 and 1991 respectively, the ruling state party, Front Libération National (FLN) dissolved Algeria’s parliament and suspended the constitution and the army council took over the reins of government. After protests by FIS, the military regime imposed a state of emergency, effectively triggering off a bloody civil war as Islamist militias rose in opposition. The FIS split, and the breakaway Groupe Islamique Armé (GIA) became known for some of the most violent anti-government actors. Violence peaked in 1995 after the military candidate won in presidential elections. Heavily pressured by the military, FIS-loyalists declared a ceasefire in 1997 and after presidential elections in 1999, President Abdelaziz Bouteflika enacted a new amnesty law, which saw the number of insurgents shrink dramatically. By 2002, the GIA was effectively beaten militarily, however, various small Islamist groups continue to operate in the region.
Stage: Pre-negotiation/process
Conflict nature: Government
Peace process: Algeria: Bouteflika Process
Parties: Pour la LADDH : Abdennour Ali Yahyia
Pour le FLN : Abdelhamid Mehri
Pour le FFS : Hocine Aït Ahmed ; Ahmed Djeddai
Pour le FIS : Rabah Kebir ; Anwar Haddam
Pour le PT : Louisa Hanoune
Pour le MDA : Ahmed Ben Bella ; Khaled Bensmain
Pour Ennahda : Abdallah Jaballah
Pour le JMC : Ahmed Ben Mouhammed
Third parties: -
Description: This agreement sets out the conditions for future talks among the parties. Issues covered include principles and values to be held as the foundation of the talks, measures which must precede the talks, reestablishment of peace, constitutional law, and popular sovereignty; and guarantees for the parties entering the talks.

Agreement document: DZ_950113_PlateformedeRome_tr.pdf (opens in new tab) | Download PDF
Agreement document (original language): DZ_950113_PlatformedeRome-fr.pdf (opens in new tab)| Download PDF

Groups

Children/youth: No specific mention.
Disabled persons: No specific mention.
Elderly/age: No specific mention.
Migrant workers: No specific mention.
Racial/ethnic/national group: Groups→Racial/ethnic/national group→Rhetorical
Page 2, A - Framework: values and principles:
[...]
• The Algerian personality is based on Islam, Arab identity and Amazigh identity; space and institutional support within this unifying framework must be provided for the culture and two languages which underpin this personality, with no exclusion or marginalisation;
Groups→Racial/ethnic/national group→Anti-discrimination
Page 2, A - Framework: values and principles:
[...]
• Guarantee of fundamental individual and collective liberties for all people, of any race, sex, religion or language;
Religious groups: Groups→Religious groups→Rhetorical
Page 2, A - Framework: values and principles:
[...]
• The Algerian personality is based on Islam, Arab identity and Amazigh identity; space and institutional support within this unifying framework must be provided for the culture and two languages which underpin this personality, with no exclusion or marginalisation;
[...]
• Freedom and respect for all faiths.
Groups→Religious groups→Anti-discrimination
Page 2, A - Framework: values and principles:
[...]
• Guarantee of fundamental individual and collective liberties for all people, of any race, sex, religion or language;
Indigenous people: No specific mention.
Other groups: No specific mention.
Refugees/displaced persons: No specific mention.
Social class: No specific mention.

Gender

Women, girls and gender: Page 1, Untitled Preamble:
Today the people of Algeria live in a climate of terror without equal, exacerbated by intolerable social and economic conditions. In this faceless war, kidnappings, disappearances, assassinations, systematic torture, mutilations and reprisals, are the daily fare of the men and women of Algeria.

Page 2, A - Framework: values and principles:
[...]
• Guarantee of fundamental individual and collective liberties for all people, of any race, sex, religion or language;

C – The reestablishment of peace
[...]
- and on the other hand, an urgent call without ambiguity to stop the fighting. Algerians [both women and men] aspire to a return of peace. The modalities of implementation of this engagement will be determined by the two conflict parties with the active involvement of other representative parties.
Men and boys: No specific mention.
LGBTI: No specific mention.
Family: No specific mention.

State definition

Nature of state (general): Page 2, A - Framework: values and principles:
[...]
• Exclusion of the army from the political process; a return to its constitutional functions of safeguarding the unity and indivisibility of the national territory;
[...]
• The Algerian personality is based on Islam, Arab identity and Amazigh identity; space and institutional support within this unifying framework must be provided for the culture and two languages which underpin this personality, with no exclusion or marginalisation;
State configuration: No specific mention.
Self determination: No specific mention.
Referendum: No specific mention.
State symbols: No specific mention.
Independence/secession: No specific mention.
Accession/unification: No specific mention.
Border delimitation: No specific mention.
Cross-border provision: No specific mention.

Governance

Political institutions (new or reformed): Governance→Political institutions (new or reformed)→General references
Page 2, A - Framework: values and principles:
[...]
Rejection of any dictatorship whatever its nature or form, and the right of the people to defend their elected institutions;
[...]
• Recognition of a multiparty system;

Page 2, B - Measures preceding negotiations:
[...]
• Political and media arenas to be opened up. Reversal of the decision to abolish the FIS. Full reinstatement of the activities of all parties.
Governance→Political institutions (new or reformed)→Temporary new institutions
Page 3, E - Return of popular sovereignty:
The negotiating Parties must define a transitional legal framework for implementing and monitoring the agreements. To this end a national Conference should be held, of representative political forces, with real powers and competencies.
This Conference will set out how to:
• Establish the transitional structures, the terms and conditions and the duration of a period of transition as brief as possible, leading to free and plural elections which will guarantee the full sovereignty of the people;
• Ensure freedom of information, unrestricted access to the media, and freedom of choice for the people;
Guarantee the outcome of any choices made thereby.
Elections: Page 1, Untitled Preamble:
The consequences of the events of June 1991 and the coup d’état of 11 January 1992, the interruption of the electoral process, the closure of the political arena, the dissolution of the FIS [Islamic Salvation Front], the establishment of a state of emergency, the repressive measures and the reactions these have provoked, have resulted in a situation of permanent confrontation.

Page 2, A - Framework: values and principles:
[...]
• Rejection of any dictatorship whatever its nature or form, and the right of the people to defend their elected institutions;
[...]
• Respect for political change through universal suffrage;

Page 3, E - Return of popular sovereignty:
The negotiating Parties must define a transitional legal framework for implementing and monitoring the agreements. To this end a national Conference should be held, of representative political forces, with real powers and competencies.
This Conference will set out how to:
• Establish the transitional structures, the terms and conditions and the duration of a period of transition as brief as possible, leading to free and plural elections which will guarantee the full sovereignty of the people;
Electoral commission: No specific mention.
Political parties reform: Governance→Political parties reform→Other political parties reform
Page 2, A - Framework: values and principles:
[...]
Rejection of any dictatorship whatever its nature or form, and the right of the people to defend their elected institutions;
[...]
• Recognition of a multiparty system;

Page 2, B - Measures preceding negotiations:
[...]
• Political and media arenas to be opened up. Reversal of the decision to abolish the FIS. Full reinstatement of the activities of all parties.
Civil society: No specific mention.
Traditional/religious leaders: No specific mention.
Public administration: No specific mention.
Constitution: Governance→Constitution→Constitution affirmation/renewal
Page 2, A - Framework: values and principles:
[...]
• Exclusion of the army from the political process; a return to its constitutional functions of safeguarding the unity and indivisibility of the national territory;

Page 3, D - Return to constitutional law:
All parties agree to respect the Constitution of 23rd February 1989, which may only be amended in line with the constitution.

Power sharing

Political power sharing: No specific mention.
Territorial power sharing: No specific mention.
Economic power sharing: No specific mention.
Military power sharing: No specific mention.

Human rights and equality

Human rights/RoL general: Page 2, A - Framework: values and principles:
[...]
• Respect and promotion of human rights as stated in the Universal Declaration, international agreements on human rights, and the international Convention against Torture, and underpinned by the legal texts;
[...]
• Primacy of legitimate law;
• Guarantee of fundamental individual and collective liberties for all people, of any race, sex, religion or language;

Page 3, D - Return to constitutional law:
All parties agree to respect the Constitution of 23rd February 1989, which may only be amended in line with the constitution.
Bill of rights/similar: No specific mention.
Treaty incorporation: Page 2, A - Framework: values and principles:
[...]
Respect and promotion of human rights as stated in the Universal Declaration, international agreements on human rights, and the international Convention against Torture, and underpinned by the legal texts;
Civil and political rights: Human rights and equality→Civil and political rights→Torture
Page 2, A - Framework: values and principles:
[...]
Respect and promotion of human rights as stated in the Universal Declaration, international agreements on human rights, and the international Convention against Torture, and underpinned by the legal texts;
Human rights and equality→Civil and political rights→Liberty and security of person
Page 2, B - Measures preceding negotiations:
[...]
• The cessation of capital punishment, extra judiciary executions, and victimisation of the civilian population.
Human rights and equality→Civil and political rights→Fair trial
Page 2, B - Measures preceding negotiations:
[...]
• The cessation of capital punishment, extra judiciary executions, and victimisation of the civilian population.
Human rights and equality→Civil and political rights→Vote and take part
Page 2, A - Framework: values and principles:
[...]
Rejection of any dictatorship whatever its nature or form, and the right of the people to defend their elected institutions;
Human rights and equality→Civil and political rights→Thought, opinion, conscience and religion
Page 2, A - Framework: values and principles:
[...]
• Freedom and respect for all faiths.
Human rights and equality→Civil and political rights→Other
Page 3, E - Return of popular sovereignty:
The negotiating Parties must define a transitional legal framework for implementing and monitoring the agreements. To this end a national Conference should be held, of representative political forces, with real powers and competencies.
This Conference will set out how to:
[...]
• Ensure freedom of information, unrestricted access to the media, and freedom of choice for the people;
Socio-economic rights: No specific mention.

Rights related issues

Citizenship: No specific mention.
Democracy: Page 1, Untitled Preamble:
[...]
Genuine negotiation remains the only means to a peaceful and democratic outcome.
Detention procedures: No specific mention.
Media and communication: Rights related issues→Media and communication→Media roles
All Parties to the negotiation are entitled to mutual guarantees.
The Parties, while maintaining their decision-making autonomy:
[...]
• will carry out an information campaign with the international community to publicise this Platform and ensure their support;
Rights related issues→Media and communication→Media logistics
Page 2, B - Measures preceding negotiations:
[...]
• Political and media arenas to be opened up. Reversal of the decision to abolish the FIS. Full reinstatement of the activities of all parties.
• All bans and suspensions of newspapers, written material and books, applied during the state of emergency to be lifted.

Page 3, E - Return of popular sovereignty:
The negotiating Parties must define a transitional legal framework for implementing and monitoring the agreements. To this end a national Conference should be held, of representative political forces, with real powers and competencies.
This Conference will set out how to:
[...]
• Ensure freedom of information, unrestricted access to the media, and freedom of choice for the people;

Page 3, F- Guarantees:
Mobility/access: No specific mention.
Protection measures: No specific mention.
Other: No specific mention.

Rights institutions

NHRI: No specific mention.
Regional or international human rights institutions: No specific mention.

Justice sector reform

Criminal justice and emergency law: No specific mention.
State of emergency provisions: Page 1, untitled preamble,
… The consequences of the events of June 1991 and the coup d’état of 11 January 1992, the interruption of the electoral process, the closure of the political arena, the dissolution of the FIS [Islamic Salvation Front], the establishment of a state of emergency, the repressive measures and the reactions these have provoked, have resulted in a situation of permanent confrontation. …

Page 2, B - Measures preceding negotiations
… All bans and suspensions of newspapers, written material and books, applied during the state of emergency to be lifted.

Page 3, C – Re-establishment of peace,
A new movement towards peace should be gradual, concurrent and negotiated, and should include:
… - Both, genuine measures of detent: closure of detention camps, lifting the state of emergency, and the repeal of special measures;
Judiciary and courts: Page 2, A - Framework: values and principles:
[...]
• Separation of judicial, legislative and executive powers;
Prisons and detention: Page 2, C - Re-establishment of peace:
A new movement towards peace should be gradual, concurrent and negotiated, and should include:
- Both, genuine measures of detent: closure of detention camps, lifting the state of emergency, and the repeal of special measures;
Traditional Laws: No specific mention.

Socio-economic reconstruction

Development or socio-economic reconstruction: No specific mention.
National economic plan: No specific mention.
Natural resources: No specific mention.
International funds: No specific mention.
Business: No specific mention.
Taxation: No specific mention.
Banks: No specific mention.

Land, property and environment

Land reform/rights: No specific mention.
Pastoralist/nomadism rights: No specific mention.
Cultural heritage: Land, property and environment→Cultural heritage→Intangible
Page 2, A - Framework: values and principles:
[...]
• The Algerian personality is based on Islam, Arab identity and Amazigh identity; ...
Land, property and environment→Cultural heritage→Promotion
Page 2, A - Framework: values and principles:
[...]
•... space and institutional support within this unifying framework [of Islam, Arab identity and Amazigh] must be provided for the culture and two languages which underpin this personality, with no exclusion or marginalisation;
Environment: No specific mention.
Water or riparian rights or access: No specific mention.

Security sector

Security Guarantees: Page 2, B - Measures preceding negotiations:
[...]
• A call for the condemnation and cessation of acts of violence and attacks on the civilian population, foreigners and public goods.
Ceasefire: Security sector→Ceasefire→General commitments
Page 2, B - Measures preceding negotiations:
[...]
• A call for the condemnation and cessation of acts of violence and attacks on the civilian population, foreigners and public goods.

Page 2, C - Re-establishment of peace:
A new movement towards peace should be gradual, concurrent and negotiated, and should include:
[...]
• And, an urgent and unambiguous call for an end to all confrontation. All Algerians seek the return of civil peace. The means to achieve this will be determined by the two parties in the conflict, with the active participation of other representative parties.
Police: No specific mention.
Armed forces: Page 2, A - Framework: values and principles:
[...]
• Exclusion of the army from the political process; a return to its constitutional functions of safeguarding the unity and indivisibility of the national territory;
DDR: No specific mention.
Intelligence services: No specific mention.
Parastatal/rebel and opposition group forces: Page 1, Untitled Preamble:
The consequences of the events of June 1991 and the coup d’état of 11 January 1992, the interruption of the electoral process, the closure of the political arena, the dissolution of the FIS [Islamic Salvation Front], the establishment of a state of emergency, the repressive measures and the reactions these have provoked, have resulted in a situation of permanent confrontation.
Since then, this violence has escalated continuously. The attempts by the authorities to create militias within the population mark a new departure in this politics of fear. There is a real risk of civil war, threatening the security of the population, the unity of the country and national sovereignty.

Page 2, B - Measures preceding negotiations:
• Release of FIS leaders and all political detainees. The provision of all necessary resources and guarantees required for FIS leaders to be able to meet freely, and with anyone else they deem necessary for decision-making.
[...]
• Political and media arenas to be opened up. Reversal of the decision to abolish the FIS. Full reinstatement of the activities of all parties.
Withdrawal of foreign forces: No specific mention.
Corruption: No specific mention.
Crime/organised crime: No specific mention.
Drugs: No specific mention.
Terrorism: Page 1, Untitled Preamble:
Today the people of Algeria live in a climate of terror without equal, exacerbated by intolerable social and economic conditions. In this faceless war, kidnappings, disappearances, assassinations, systematic torture, mutilations and reprisals, are the daily fare of the men and women of Algeria.

Transitional justice

Transitional justice general: No specific mention.
Amnesty/pardon: No specific mention.
Courts: No specific mention.
Mechanism: Page 1, Untitled Preamble:
More than thirty years after achieving independence at such a terrible price, many of the principles and objectives of November 1st 1954 have foundered, and the people’s hopes and desires which flourished after October 1988 have been steadily eroded.
[...]
The consequences of the events of June 1991 and the coup d’état of 11 January 1992, the interruption of the electoral process, the closure of the political arena, the dissolution of the FIS [Islamic Salvation Front], the establishment of a state of emergency, the repressive measures and the reactions these have provoked, have resulted in a situation of permanent confrontation.

Page 2, B - Measures preceding negotiations:
[...]
• An independent commission to be established to investigate acts of violence and serious violations of human rights.
Prisoner release: Page 2, B - Measures preceding negotiations:
• Release of FIS leaders and all political detainees. The provision of all necessary resources and guarantees required for FIS leaders to be able to meet freely, and with anyone else they deem necessary for decision-making.
Vetting: No specific mention.
Victims: Page 2, B - Measures preceding negotiations:
[...]
• The cessation of capital punishment, extra judiciary executions, and victimisation of the civilian population.
Missing persons: No specific mention.
Reparations: No specific mention.
Reconciliation: Page 1, Untitled Preamble:
[...]
Since then, this violence has escalated continuously. The attempts by the authorities to create militias within the population mark a new departure in this politics of fear. There is a real risk of civil war, threatening the security of the population, the unity of the country and national sovereignty.

Page 2, A - Framework: values and principles:
[...]
• The Algerian personality is based on Islam, Arab identity and Amazigh identity; space and institutional support within this unifying framework must be provided for the culture and two languages which underpin this personality, with no exclusion or marginalisation;

Implementation

UN signatory: No specific mention.
Other international signatory: No specific mention.
Referendum for agreement: No specific mention.
International mission/force/similar: Page 3, F- Guarantees:
All Parties to the negotiation are entitled to mutual guarantees.
The Parties, while maintaining their decision-making autonomy:
• are opposed to any interference in the internal affairs of Algeria;
• denounce the internationalisation of the situation which has resulted from the confrontational politics of those in power;
[...]
• will carry out an information campaign with the international community to publicise this Platform and ensure their support;
• undertake to launch an international petition to press for the necessity of a peaceful political solution in Algeria;
• appeal to the international community to express their active solidarity with the Algerian people;
Enforcement mechanism: No specific mention.
Related cases: No specific mention.
Source: http://peacemaker.un.org/

Platform for a political and peaceful solution to the Algerian crisis

(the Rome Platform)

San Egidio, 13 January 1995

The Algerian Opposition Parties, meeting in San Egidio, declare on this 13th day of January 1995, that:

Today Algeria is suffering a period of unprecedented tragedy.

More than thirty years after achieving independence at such a terrible price, many of the principles and objectives of November 1st 1954 have foundered, and the people’s hopes and desires which flourished after October 1988 have been steadily eroded.

Today the people of Algeria live in a climate of terror without equal, exacerbated by intolerable social and economic conditions.

In this faceless war, kidnappings, disappearances, assassinations, systematic torture, mutilations and reprisals, are the daily fare of the men and women of Algeria.

The consequences of the events of June 1991 and the coup d’état of 11 January 1992, the interruption of the electoral process, the closure of the political arena, the dissolution of the FIS [Islamic Salvation Front], the establishment of a state of emergency, the repressive measures and the reactions these have provoked, have resulted in a situation of permanent confrontation.

Since then, this violence has escalated continuously.

The attempts by the authorities to create militias within the population mark a new departure in this politics of fear.

There is a real risk of civil war, threatening the security of the population, the unity of the country and national sovereignty.

A global political and peaceful solution is imperative, to give new hope to the people who desire peace and political legitimacy.

The current leadership have merely initiated false dialogues, which have served to cover up unilateral decision-making and a politics of fait accompli.

Genuine negotiation remains the only means to a peaceful and democratic outcome.

A - Framework:

values and principles

The participants commit to this process on the basis of a national contract with the following principles, and which must be accepted for any negotiation to be valid;

The declaration of November 1, 1954:

“The restoration of the sovereign democratic Algerian state governed by the principles of Islam (article 1)”;

Rejection of violence for purposes of attaining or maintaining power;

Rejection of any dictatorship whatever its nature or form, and the right of the people to defend their elected institutions;

Respect and promotion of human rights as stated in the Universal Declaration, international agreements on human rights, and the international Convention against Torture, and underpinned by the legal texts;

Respect for political change through universal suffrage;

Primacy of legitimate law;

Guarantee of fundamental individual and collective liberties for all people, of any race, sex, religion or language;

Recognition of a multiparty system;

Exclusion of the army from the political process;

a return to its constitutional functions of safeguarding the unity and indivisibility of the national territory;

The Algerian personality is based on Islam, Arab identity and Amazigh identity;

space and institutional support within this unifying framework must be provided for the culture and two languages which underpin this personality, with no exclusion or marginalisation;

Separation of judicial, legislative and executive powers;

Freedom and respect for all faiths.

B - Measures preceding negotiations

Release of FIS leaders and all political detainees.

The provision of all necessary resources and guarantees required for FIS leaders to be able to meet freely, and with anyone else they deem necessary for decision-making.

Political and media arenas to be opened up.

Reversal of the decision to abolish the FIS.

Full reinstatement of the activities of all parties.

All bans and suspensions of newspapers, written material and books, applied during the state of emergency to be lifted.

An immediate, effective and verifiable end to the practice of torture.

The cessation of capital punishment, extra judiciary executions, and victimisation of the civilian population.

A call for the condemnation and cessation of acts of violence and attacks on the civilian population, foreigners and public goods.

An independent commission to be established to investigate acts of violence and serious violations of human rights.

C - Re-establishment of peace

A new movement towards peace should be gradual, concurrent and negotiated, and should include:

Both, genuine measures of detent:

closure of detention camps, lifting the state of emergency, and the repeal of special measures;

And, an urgent and unambiguous call for an end to all confrontation.

All Algerians seek the return of civil peace.

The means to achieve this will be determined by the two parties in the conflict, with the active participation of other representative parties.

This movement requires the full and active participation of all peaceful and representative political forces.

These latter are capable of contributing to the current process and ensuring the support of the population.

D - Return to constitutional law

All parties agree to respect the Constitution of 23rd February 1989, which may only be amended in line with the constitution.

E - Return of popular sovereignty

The negotiating Parties must define a transitional legal framework for implementing and monitoring the agreements.

To this end a national Conference should be held, of representative political forces, with real powers and competencies.

This Conference will set out how to:

Establish the transitional structures, the terms and conditions and the duration of a period of transition as brief as possible, leading to free and plural elections which will guarantee the full sovereignty of the people;

Ensure freedom of information, unrestricted access to the media, and freedom of choice for the people;

Guarantee the outcome of any choices made thereby.

F- Guarantees

All Parties to the negotiation are entitled to mutual guarantees.

The Parties, while maintaining their decision-making autonomy:

are opposed to any interference in the internal affairs of Algeria;

denounce the internationalisation of the situation which has resulted from the confrontational politics of those in power;

remain convinced that a solution to the crisis must be the work of Algerians, in Algeria;

will carry out an information campaign with the international community to publicise this Platform and ensure their support;

undertake to launch an international petition to press for the necessity of a peaceful political solution in Algeria;

appeal to the international community to express their active solidarity with the Algerian people;

determine to maintain contact with each other with a view to ongoing consultation and agreement.

Names of signatories to be inserted.

Pour la LADDH :

Abdennour Ali Yahyia

Pour le FLN :

Abdelhamid Mehri

Pour le FFS :

Hocine Aït Ahmed ;

Ahmed Djeddai

Pour le FIS :

Rabah Kebir ;

Anwar Haddam

Pour le PT :

Louisa Hanoune

Pour le MDA :

Ahmed Ben Bella ;

Khaled Bensmain

Pour Ennahda :

Abdallah Jaballah

Pour le JMC :

Ahmed Ben Mouhammed