Representatives from the Movement for the Selfdetermination of Kabylia (MAK) and the Autonomy of Chawiland Movement (MAC) explained their efforts in mobilising support for greater recognition of the rights of their Peoples, whereas the speakers of the 18 September Movement focussed their attention on the struggle for Rifland.

Several activists from France, Belgium and the Netherlands also shared their perspective on the many activities that the Amazigh are unfolding in Europe to keep the rich culture of the Amazigh alive and to support the people in North Africa. One of the speakers mentioned in his speech that the Amazigh do not live in the Middle East, but in North Africa and that the pan-Arab movement is still marginalizing the Amazigh identity. Another speaker noted that the rights to political and cultural self-determination of the people of northern Africa were negated by the various governments and that for example when you fill out a form to enter the country this form is not available in the Amazigh language.

The evening concluded with an artistic event that showed that the Amazigh culture has a rich and living heritage with a bright future ahead.

UNPO representatives Ms. Hajzah Saleh and Mr. Jeroen Zandberg participated in the event as well. The UNPO contributed to the event by providing a general overview of the various forms of self-determination and linking that to the activities of many of UNPO’s members. The Amazigh have been a member of UNPO since 2014 and are represented by the CMA.

Many media were present, among which Amazigh Television which made an item on the event: http://www.amazightv.net.  

More information about the organizers can be found on their website: http://movment18september.org