CHAPTER THREE: DEMOCRACY AND POLITICAL GOVERNANCE and the Civil Concord in 1999. These laws had enabled thousands of persons, who had taken up arms against the country, to return to their homes and thus restored security throughout the national territory. 128. In order to consolidate peace and the Civil Concord process, the Charter for Peace and National Reconciliation was submitted to a referendum of the Algerian people on 29 September 2005. This Charter is aimed at closing this painful chapter in Algeria‟s history once and for all, thus allowing people to be reunited and begin the resolute construction of a prosperous and common future. 129. Since these texts came into effect, several terrorist groups have ceased their criminal activities; numerous detained persons, who were being prosecuted and/or sentenced for deeds associated with terrorism, have been freed; and a significant number of people have been reintegrated into the world of work. 130. Responsibility for persons affected by terrorism. A mechanism focusing on the categories of persons most affected by violence has been put in place (financial aid, social welfare, etc.). 131. Other conflicts. Referring to the conflicts associated with drug trafficking, organised crime, economic inequalities and disparities in the distribution of wealth, unlawful arms trafficking, sociocultural diversity, refugees and persons displaced on a national level, the CSAR states that these factors “were not the root cause of Algerian conflicts posing a threat to peace, stability and security”. 132. External conflicts. The CSAR notes that there is no conflict between Algeria and its neighbours. It nonetheless recognises that the Western Saharan question is impeding the process of building and realising the Union of Arab Maghreb. It also emphasises Algeria‟s contribution to the solution of regional conflicts, especially between Ethiopia and Eritrea; its role in the African renaissance through involvement in its elaboration, and in the implementation and promotion of the New Partnership for Africa‟s Development (NEPAD). ii. Findings of the CRM 133. Conflicts associated with terrorism. After a war of liberation, characterised by destructive violence affecting the people, infrastructure and environment, Algeria had to deal with the renewed violence of indiscriminate terrorism. It managed to avoid civil war and gradually reduce, within the space of a decade, the climate of violence and unprecedented barbarism that characterised this unfortunate period. 134. The country finds itself in a phase of peaceful consolidation that must be strengthened and sustained. This calls for a comprehensive understanding of the underlying causes of terrorism, so that the necessary strategies can be put in place to prevent a repetition of the tragedy. 61