Disruption of the SNAPAP Congress: A Clear Violation of Trade Union Freedom and an Attempt to Undermine Internal Unity

🗓️ Published on: 26/04/2026

In an official statement, the National Autonomous Union of Public Administration Personnel (SNAPAP) announced the postponement of its national congress, initially scheduled for 10, 11, and 12 April 2026 in Algiers, due to the absence of any response from the competent authorities of the Wilaya of Algiers to a duly submitted authorization request.

It is important to recall that SNAPAP is affiliated with the Trade Union Confederation of Productive Forces (COSYFOP), to which it actively contributes in advancing trade union pluralism and defending fundamental workers’ rights in Algeria.

This administrative silence, which the union’s legal counsel considers to amount to an implicit refusal, once again highlights a troubling pattern affecting independent trade union activity in Algeria—where administrative procedures are increasingly used as instruments to obstruct fundamental rights guaranteed by law.

Administrative Silence as a Tool of Obstruction

In its statement, the union stressed that the absence of a formal response to a lawful request cannot be viewed in isolation, but rather as part of a recurring pattern aimed at restricting freedom of association. Instead of enabling trade unions to exercise their legitimate right to convene congresses and renew their leadership structures, indirect methods—such as administrative silence—are used to effectively neutralize these rights.

This situation not only constitutes a breach of domestic legal procedures but also runs counter to Algeria’s international obligations, particularly those relating to trade union freedoms as enshrined in International Labour Organization conventions.

A Broad-Based Congress Reflecting a Genuine Dynamic of Unity

The seriousness of this obstruction is further underscored by the context in which it occurs. According to SNAPAP’s statement, the congress was set to bring together a broad and diverse group of participants, with 78 delegates registered—including 30 women—alongside 21 observers.

Significantly, 38 of these participants are officials representing federations affiliated with the wing led by Belgacem Felfoul, reflecting a genuine willingness to overcome past divisions and build a consensual path within the union.

This alone undermines any administrative justification and confirms that what is being obstructed is not merely an organizational event, but a substantive internal process aimed at rebuilding trade union unity on democratic foundations.

Double Standards: Endorsing Practices in Violation of the Law

While the congress is being obstructed, the authorities continue to recognize Belgacem Felfoul as Secretary-General for a sixth term, in clear violation of Law No. 23-02, which strictly limits mandates to two terms under Article 56.

This contradiction—blocking a unifying congress on the one hand, while legitimizing unlawful practices on the other—amounts to direct interference in the internal affairs of the union and raises serious concerns regarding respect for trade union independence in Algeria.

Implications Beyond the National Framework

The measures announced by the congress preparatory committee—particularly the referral to International Labour Organization bodies and United Nations mechanisms—underscore the gravity of the situation. What began as an administrative issue has now evolved into a matter engaging Algeria’s international human rights obligations, especially the right to freedom of association.

Referring the case to the Committee on Freedom of Association, the Committee of Experts, and the UN Special Rapporteur signals that these practices may be brought forward internationally as a representative case of restrictions on trade union activity.

Between Obstruction and Trade Union Resolve: The Confederation’s Position

In this context, the President of the Trade Union Confederation of Productive Forces, Raouf Mellal, expressed full solidarity with SNAPAP, describing the situation as “a serious violation of trade union freedom and blatant interference in the internal affairs of an independent union.”

He stated:

“Obstructing a unifying congress of this magnitude, at a pivotal moment marked by a genuine internal dynamic of unity within SNAPAP, can only be understood as an attempt to derail efforts to rebuild a strong and independent trade union organization.”

He further emphasized that the confederation, together with its affiliated unions, will continue to pursue this matter at both national and international levels, and will take all necessary steps to defend SNAPAP’s right to hold its congress freely, without administrative or security interference.

This position reaffirms that trade union solidarity is not merely a political stance, but a concrete commitment to upholding the core principles of trade unionism—independence, internal democracy, and freedom of association.

Download the statement in Arabic and French

Statement in Arabic

Statement in French