54th Friday of Protests in Algeria: Thousands Demand Radical Change

The 54th Friday of protests against the political system in Algeria was marked by a significant mobilization in Béjaïa, and to a lesser extent in Bouira and Tizi Ouzou. The streets of Béjaïa city were filled with people as the procession began after Friday prayers. A police helicopter hovered above, monitoring the event. Protesters chanted slogans, including "Changement radical, souveraineté populaire" and demanded the release of detained activists, such as Brahim Laâlami, Fodil Boumala, and Karim Tabbou.

The protesters, carrying flags and banners, reiterated their demands and mocked the COVID-19 pandemic, with one banner reading "Corona système = corona chômage, corona misère, corona hogra". They also expressed their opposition to the exploitation of shale gas, citing its dangers. The protesters pointed to the "illlegitimacy" of the current power and demanded a transitional period to establish a new republic. They called for a republic that guarantees press freedom, expression, entrepreneurship, and assembly, as well as an independent judiciary.

The protesters displayed their determination to maintain their mobilization until the current regime falls. Another march took place in Akbou, where protesters also showed up in large numbers. Both demonstrations were peaceful, with no reported incidents. In Tizi Ouzou, the number of protesters was smaller compared to the previous week, which saw a significant return of anti-system protesters marking the first anniversary of the popular movement that led to the renunciation of the fifth term for former President Abdelaziz Bouteflika.

In Bouira, protesters showed up with the same fervor, and the 54th peaceful march took place calmly, with the usual bonhomie characterizing this manifestation of the second year of the popular movement. Protesters carried banners reading "Peuple pacifique, pouvoir violent" and "Libérez les otages", displaying posters of Karim Tabbou, Rachid Nekkaz, Foudhil Boumala, and other detained activists. They chanted slogans, including "Liberté, pacifisme, union et fraternité".

The protesters, comprising women, children, seniors, and young people, chanted "Pour un État civil, non militaire. Non aux résidus de l’ancien système. L’Algérie est une République et non pas une caserne. Pour l’application des articles 7 et 8 de la Constitution. La prise de décision revient au peuple". They also brandished posters of the heroes of the Revolution, such as Amirouche, Abane, and Aït Ahmed, and proudly displayed the national emblem and the Amazigh flag.

The protesters clearly rejected the proposals for dialogue and reiterated their demand for the dissolution of all elected assemblies from the last quinquennia. They called for genuine political reforms, a democratic and peaceful transition, but without the figures of the old system reappearing on the political chessboard. The march ended peacefully, with no incidents reported.

The protests reflect the ongoing demands of the Algerian people for a radical change in the country's political system. The protesters' determination to continue their mobilization until their demands are met remains unwavering. The government has yet to respond to the protesters' demands, and the situation remains uncertain.

Key points

• Thousands of Algerians demand radical change in the country's political system.
• Protesters reject proposals for dialogue and call for dissolution of elected assemblies.
• Demonstrations take place in Béjaïa, Bouira, and Tizi Ouzou, with no reported incidents.