Thousands of Algerians took to the streets on Friday, marking the 44th consecutive week of protests against the government. Despite the country's new president, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, taking office, protesters in Béjaïa, Bouira, and Tizi Ouzou demanded a complete overhaul of the system. They rejected Tebboune's call for inclusive dialogue to end the crisis, instead insisting on the departure of all symbols of the former regime.
The protests, which began in February, have continued unabated, with demonstrators chanting slogans and carrying placards criticizing the government. In Béjaïa, protesters marched through the streets, calling for the release of detained activists and politicians. They also waved portraits of Hocine Aït Ahmed, a prominent Algerian politician, and chanted slogans against the government.
The protesters in Bouira, a town about 200 km southeast of Algiers, also turned out in large numbers, despite it being a day when olives are typically harvested. They marched through the streets, chanting slogans and carrying placards with messages such as "On ne négocie pas avec son peuple, on satisfait ses revendications" ("We do not negotiate with our people, we satisfy their demands").
In Tizi Ouzou, protesters marched through the streets, calling for a new Algeria without the "predatory bands" that have pillaged and drained the country's resources. They demanded a prosperous, just, and democratic country, with an impartial justice system. The protesters also reiterated their support for detained activists, carrying portraits of those imprisoned.
The protests have been largely peaceful, with no major incidents reported. However, the government has faced criticism for its handling of the crisis, with many Algerians demanding a complete overhaul of the system. The protesters have made it clear that they will not back down until their demands are met.
The movement has been marked by its determination and solidarity, with protesters showing support for those detained and injured during the protests. Many have worn bandages over their eyes in solidarity with those who were injured in previous clashes. The protesters have also called for the release of detained journalists and activists.
As the protests enter their tenth month, the question remains as to what the future holds for the movement. Despite the new president's attempts to engage with the protesters, it is clear that many Algerians remain skeptical of the government's intentions. The protests will likely continue, with the protesters pushing for a complete transformation of the system.
Key points
- Algerian protesters reject new president's call for dialogue and demand complete overhaul of the system.
- Protests have been largely peaceful, with no major incidents reported.
- Protesters demand release of detained activists and politicians, and an end to corruption and impunity.
