The World Amazigh Congress calls for unity in struggle during its 9th conference in Agáldar

In the historic city that hosted the organization’s founding in 1997, delegates from Tamazgha and the diaspora gathered to elect a new leadership body, condemn the obstruction of visa applications, and renew their commitment to continuing the struggle for identity.

General Assembly of the World Amazigh Congress • Agáldar, April 26, 2026

Agáldar — The World Amazigh Congress (CMA) concluded its ninth session on Saturday in the city of Agáldar in the Canary Islands, the symbolic city that hosted the founding meeting of the organization in 1997. The session was held under the banners of resistance and unity, in the presence of representatives of Amazigh organizations and communities from across Tamazgha and the diaspora, a scene that the organizers described as a direct response to years of relentless pressure on the organization.

The choice of Agáldar and the month of April was no coincidence; this month carries a living memory of struggle in the Amazigh consciousness: it marks the 46th anniversary of the Amazigh Spring of 1980, and the 25th anniversary of the Black Spring of 2001 — two pivotal events that, in the words of the conference attendees, “embody our historic refusal to relinquish our identity, and remind us of the price paid to gain its recognition.” The conference concluded with a heartfelt and solemn tribute to the martyrs of the Amazigh cause, considering their sacrifices “the cornerstone of our determination today.”

Years of pressure, and an even more determined organization:
Delegates acknowledged that the World Amazigh Congress has overcome one of the most difficult periods in its history. The final statement highlighted two main challenges: the arrest and arbitrary imprisonment of co-president Kamira Nait Sid, and the disinformation and defamation campaign of former secretary-general Belkacem Lounes, which the organizers said was aimed at sowing discord within the movement and undermine its credibility.
However, the Congress adopted a confident tone, declaring: “The World Amazigh Congress stands firm and is more determined than ever,” reframing these difficulties not as a sign of weakness, but as a testament to the nobility of the organization’s message and its centrality.

Condemnation of Visa Obstruction:
The atmosphere of the congress was overshadowed by the absence of several delegates and stakeholders who were forced to participate remotely, following the refusal of consular authorities to grant travel visas or delays in issuing them. The congress strongly condemned this measure, considering it a flagrant violation of the freedom of movement of Amazigh activists and a form of systematic political obstruction.

Despite this, remote participants were able to actively contribute to the General Assembly proceedings, which completed its essential statutory tasks, including presenting and approving the activity and financial reports, as well as revising the organization’s bylaws.
The congress also expressed its deep gratitude to the Azar Association in the Canary Islands, appreciating the exceptional efforts it made in hosting and organizing the 9th congress, which contributed decisively to the success of this historic event.

Election of new leadership bodies:
Following deliberations, the General Assembly elected the new World Bureau and the Federal Council to lead the organization in its next phase. The composition of the World Bureau is as follows:

Co-Presidents:

• Kamira Nait Sid
• Khaled Zarari

Vice-Presidents:

• Moussa Mohamed – Morocco
• Rachid Belkhir – Algeria
• Bouzid Sinan – Diaspora
• Tomás Doreste Caballero – Canary Islands
• Jeloul Ghaki – Tunisia
• Moussa Madi – Libya
• Ali Al-Ansari – Azawad
• Iguelassane El Hosseini – Niger
• Ahmed Abdelkader Abdallah – Sudan

Secretariat:

• Farouk Benaayed – Secretary-General
• Idriss Fakhrddine – Deputy Secretary-General

Treasury:

• Nadia Nouad – Treasurer
• Hager Halab – Deputy Treasurer

Task Force of the World Bureau:
The World Bureau also appointed a task force to coordinate with the Amazigh civil society movement in different regions of Tamazgha:

• Coordination with the Amazigh civil society movement in Algeria: Hachimi Touzan
• Coordination with the Amazigh civil society movement in Morocco: Mohamed Hamech
• Supervision of the organizing committee: Tarik Idoufkir
• Coordination with the associative movement of the Kel Tamasheq region: Ag Zein Tila

With the election of the new leadership and the official conclusion of its work, the World Amazigh Congress reaffirmed its commitment to its founding mission: uniting Amazigh communities across Tamazgha and the diaspora in a journey towards cultural recognition, political rights, and human dignity. The statement concluded with a resounding call: “Long live Tamazgha!”