For the fifth consecutive Friday, hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets of Tizi-Ouzou, Algeria, to demand the departure of the current system. Despite unfavorable weather conditions, protesters of all ages and backgrounds marched through the city, expressing their determination to see the protest movement through to its goal. The protests began on February 22 and have continued unabated.
The protesters, including young and old, men and women, and children, marched from the Mouloud Mammeri university to the Place de la Bougie, filling the streets with a sea of people. Banners and slogans were plentiful, with messages including "This is an act of militancy, our outings in the street are not just strolls under the sun" and "Whether it rains or blows, we will march to liberate our country torn apart by tyranny".
The march route took protesters through the city's main streets, including the Rue Abane Ramdane, which was packed with people. At one point, a large crowd gathered at a roundabout near the first arrondissement of the urban security force, chanting and singing slogans. The protesters also carried Algerian flags and banners with various slogans, showing their determination and unity.
This fifth Friday of protests saw a new development in the messages conveyed through banners, posters, and slogans. The population reacted to current events, responded to politicians and officials, and directly addressed those in power. There were strong reactions to recent statements by foreign countries on the situation in Algeria, with protesters chanting "No to interference in the country's affairs" and "Neither France nor the United States".
The protesters also reacted to the participation of parties in power in the popular movement, with chants of "No to the FLN, no to the RND" and "FLN, get out". They also expressed support for national unity, rejecting division and hatred, with slogans such as "United, you will leave" and "Kabylie, Algerian". The protesters reiterated their refusal to extend the mandate of President Bouteflika and reject any solutions proposed by him.
Throughout the march, young people distributed Algerian flags and water bottles to protesters, while others collected empty bottles and packaging. A group of protesters also chanted along to music, including the song "Liberté" by Soolking, which has become an anthem of the revolution. The march took place in a festive and combative atmosphere, with no incidents reported.
The protesters also addressed messages of fraternity to the security forces, including the National Army and Police, with chants of "El Djaich, El Chaâb Khaoua Khaoua". The march ended without incident, and no particular security measures were deployed along the route taken by the protesters. According to Kamela Haddoum, reporting for La Dépêche de Kabylie, the protests remain a powerful expression of the Algerian people's demand for change.
Key points
- The protests in Tizi-Ouzou have now continued for five consecutive Fridays, with hundreds of thousands of people demanding the departure of the current system.
