Ouverture D'enquête Sur Algérie Ferries

Petition addressed to: Parliament of Algeria

Dear Sir or Madam,

I have the honor of submitting this urgent report and appeal to the highest authorities of the country regarding the situation within the National Maritime Passenger Transport Company, which has become a serious concern requiring urgent intervention and an impartial investigation.This company is a strategic national public entity. Its resources, equipment, and vessels belong to the Algerian State and people. Its management must therefore be based on respect for the law, transparency, competence, accountability, and compliance with the instructions of the highest authorities.

However, practices and shortcomings observed within certain departments raise serious questions regarding management methods and compliance with official directives. Information, documents, and testimonies can be provided to the competent authorities to clarify these concerns. More seriously, many employees have the impression that certain individuals are acting as though the company were their private property, prioritizing personal interests and relationships over the law and the principles of sound institutional management. If an investigation confirms that certain individuals have coordinated to protect their interests, circumvent official instructions, or exclude qualified personnel, these matters should not be treated as simple administrative errors. Responsibilities must be identified and appropriate legal measures taken.

The instructions of the President of the Republic and the highest authorities of the country cannot be selectively applied by local officials. No official within a public company may act as though they are above the law or above the directives of the State.If it is established that officials or internal parties have deliberately ignored or failed to implement instructions issued by the highest authorities, this would constitute a serious matter requiring investigation and accountability, since the company operates under the authority of the State.

Continued poor management could lead to deterioration of vessels and equipment, risks to the safety of passengers and employees, exclusion of qualified personnel and favoritism, a weakening of the company in the face of foreign competition, damage to Algeria’s image among passengers and the Algerian community abroad, and waste of the resources of a national company that should be a leading force in maritime transportation.We therefore ask the competent authorities who bears responsibility for bringing the company to this situation and who is protecting those whose responsibility may be established by an investigation if these allegations are confirmed.We respectfully request that the President of the Republic, the highest authorities, and the competent oversight bodies urgently open a comprehensive and independent investigation into the company’s management, examine compliance with official instructions, audit recruitment, appointments, and assignment procedures, and investigate maintenance, equipment, and related expenditures.

We also request that employees who possess relevant information or documents be heard and protected from retaliation, pressure, or intimidation, and that the administrative and legal responsibility of anyone whose involvement in violations is proven be established.If the investigation confirms the existence of any group or network of interests improperly influencing the company, appropriate measures should be taken to end such practices and restore confidence in qualified employees working for the protection and development of the company.Mr. President of the Republic, workers and passengers do not want to see a national company disappear; they want to see it saved and strengthened.It is no longer possible to remain silent in the face of practices that may weaken a strategic public company or place it under the influence of private interests.

The Algerian State has laws, institutions, and oversight bodies capable of establishing the truth. We ask only for an impartial investigation, the hearing of all concerned parties, a thorough examination of documents and evidence, and accountability for anyone whose responsibility is established, without exception.The National Maritime Passenger Transport Company belongs to the State and the Algerian people, not to any individual or group.Silence in the face of confirmed dysfunctions will only worsen the situation. We therefore appeal to the highest authorities of the country for urgent intervention before the situation reaches a point that becomes difficult to remedy.We want a strong, transparent, and ethical national company, governed by law and competence, respectful of State instructions, and committed to protecting passengers, employees, and the assets of the Algerian people.Please accept the expression of our deepest respect and highest consideration.

— Meli NESS