"I have reaffirmed my political will to work towards national unity"

Abdelaziz Bouteflika’s statement, “I have reaffirmed my political will to work towards national unity,” carries deep political and social implications rooted in Algeria’s complex history. The choice of the word “reaffirmed” suggests not only continuity of purpose but also a need to reiterate commitment amid potential doubt, instability, or public scrutiny. Bouteflika, as president, governed Algeria during turbulent times, including the aftermath of the Algerian Civil War, a period marked by profound divisions, distrust, and wounds within society. By declaring his ongoing “political will,” he emphasizes personal agency and resolve in guiding the state towards a goal that extends beyond mere policy, it invokes a moral and patriotic duty.

The goal of “national unity” in Algeria is especially loaded. For decades, Algerian society has faced divisions based on politics, ethnicity, religion, and regional identity, all exacerbated by the violence of the 1990s. Bouteflika’s intent to work towards unity implies an acknowledgment of existing or persistent fractures. His leadership is thus framed as a unifying force, aspiring to transcend parochial interests and restore cohesion. Such a pronouncement is also a strategic gesture, aimed at mobilizing support among citizens who long for peace, order, and collective identity. It signals to different factions, be they political rivals, ethnic minorities, or civil society at large, that the highest office is conscious of the necessity for reconciliation and inclusion.

Underlying the declaration is an implicit promise of stability, which is particularly crucial in a country where previous discord caused loss and trauma. Bouteflika positions himself not just as a political leader but as a steward of national healing, committed to overcoming the legacies of conflict and fragmentation. The affirmation of political will thus operates on both a practical and symbolic level: it reassures the nation of leadership continuity and prioritizes harmony as a foundational pillar for progress and prosperity.