National Reconciliation in Algeria and Mechanisms for Benefiting from It in the Palestinian Situation

Abstract

This study examined the process of national reconciliation in Algeria following the civil war that the country experienced in the 1990s. It focused on the specific measures undertaken in the reconciliation process, particularly the security, judicial, media, and educational reforms, as well as the Civil Concord Law of 1999 and the Charter for Peace and National Reconciliation of 2005. These political tools formed a cornerstone for advancing economic, social, and political development, reinforcing democratic foundations, and achieving civil peace, mutual dialogue, and coexistence among the conflicting parties. The study sought to assess the effectiveness of these mechanisms and explore the potential for adapting them to the Palestinian context, particularly in light of the ongoing political and ideological divisions between Fatah and Hamas. Employing a descriptive methodology, the research aimed to propose practical approaches that may contribute to political unity, social cohesion, and sustainable peace in Palestine, by extracting relevant lessons and adapting applicable elements from the Algerian reconciliation model. The findings suggested that Algeria’s experience was largely successful. In contrast, Palestine has not only failed to overcome its internal division and advance reconciliation, but has also struggled to formulate a reconciliation framework accepted by all political and societal actors. There are many lessons that can be learned from the Algerian experience, particularly regarding how to deal with external influences and factors, amnesty procedures, the application of good governance principles, and the reform of state institutions such as the security services, the judiciary, the media, and the education system, in addition to launching public apology initiatives