Residents of Akbou, a town in Algeria's Kabylie region, have been staging protests to demand better living conditions and serious attention to their concerns. For over a month, dozens of citizens have organized weekly sit-ins in front of the Akloul Ali hospital, calling for the departure of the hospital's director and improved patient care. The protests have escalated, with citizens sealing off the director's office during their last gathering.
In response to the growing unrest, residents have decided to close the Akbou town hall, citing the need to involve local authorities. This move marks the first time that Mouloud Salhi, the town's mayor, has faced opposition from his constituents after 20 months in office. Salhi attributes the situation to the country's current sociopolitical climate, stating that the town is struggling with administrative bottlenecks.
Mayor Salhi views the attempt to close the town hall as arbitrary and emphasizes that the decision to replace the hospital director lies with the relevant authorities, not the local population. He notes that the Akbou town hall has held several working sessions with health officials to improve working conditions at the hospital. However, Salhi believes that the healthcare system in Algeria is facing broader challenges.
The ongoing protests at the hospital have been described as destabilizing for staff and patients, and Salhi argues that they do not address the underlying issues. Some residents believe that Akbou needs a larger, modern hospital to address the town's healthcare needs. Plans for a new polyclinic have been submitted to the national authorities, but so far, no progress has been made.
Meanwhile, 17 families from the "Le Piton" shantytown have been camped outside the Akbou sub-prefecture for 22 days, demanding relocation. The sub-prefect has stated that the relocation should be done in a comprehensive and inclusive manner to avoid any issues during the process. There are 39 families still living in the shantytown, but only 17 new apartments are available.
Residents of Metidji, a nearby locality, have also taken to protesting, demanding better infrastructure and services. They have decided to close the local town hall, citing the need for improved living conditions. Mayor Salhi has expressed willingness to address the concerns of his constituents, but notes that some of their demands, such as gas and electricity supply, fall outside the town's jurisdiction.
The protests in Akbou highlight the growing frustration among residents over living conditions, healthcare, and local governance. Mayor Salhi has promised to address some of the concerns, including road repairs and infrastructure upgrades. However, the situation remains tense, with residents calling for more concrete actions to address their grievances.
Key points
- Algerian town of Akbou faces rising protests over living conditions and healthcare.
- Residents demand improved healthcare services and infrastructure upgrades.
- Local authorities face challenges in addressing the concerns of their constituents.
