The University of Mouloud Mammeri in Tizi-Ouzou, Algeria, has been plagued by ongoing protests and disruptions, leaving students and faculty uncertain about the future of the academic year. Despite efforts to organize debates and events, the majority of students have not returned to classes, sparking concerns about a potential "white year," where no academic progress is made. The protests, which began as part of a broader popular uprising, have become a regular occurrence on campus.
The protests at the University of Mouloud Mammeri are part of a larger movement demanding radical change to Algeria's political system. Students and faculty have been actively involved in the protests, with many attending weekly marches and rallies. The university's history of activism and its location in the heart of the Kabylie region, a hub of Berber cultural identity, have contributed to the intensity of the protests. Key figures from the Berber cultural movement, including Saïd Khelil and Ramdane Achab, have been invited to speak at events on campus.
The commemoration of the 39th anniversary of the Berber Spring and the "Black Spring" has given new momentum to the protests. These events, which took place on April 20, 1980, and April 2001, respectively, are considered sacred by the university community. The students' decision to invite prominent figures from the Berber cultural movement to speak on campus has helped to galvanize support for the protests. The events have drawn large crowds, with many students and faculty members participating in the debates and discussions.
Despite the enthusiasm and determination of the students, the ongoing protests pose a significant risk to the academic year. A substantial delay has been accumulated in the execution of the annual program, and many departments are facing significant backlogs. The exams scheduled for the second trimester have been postponed indefinitely, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the academic year. If the protests continue for several more weeks, it is likely that the academic year will be lost.
The students of Tizi-Ouzou have a long history of activism and militancy, and their involvement in the current protests is not surprising. The university has a reputation for being a hub of dissent and activism, and many students see the current protests as an opportunity to push for change. While there may be ways to make up for the lost time, the longer the protests continue, the more likely it becomes that the academic year will be irreparably damaged.
The protests at the University of Mouloud Mammeri are part of a broader movement sweeping Algeria. The popular uprising, which began on February 22, 2019, has brought together people from all walks of life in a demand for radical change. The students and faculty of the university are playing an active role in the protests, and their determination to see the movement through to its conclusion is evident. Despite the risks, many students believe that the protests are worth it, as they offer a chance to create a better future for Algeria.
As the protests continue, the future of the academic year remains uncertain. While some students and faculty members are optimistic that a solution can be found, others fear that the damage has already been done. The university administration and the government will need to find a way to address the concerns of the students and faculty if the academic year is to be salvaged. For now, the students of Tizi-Ouzou remain committed to their cause, determined to see the protests through to their conclusion.
Key points
- University students in Algeria risk losing their academic year due to ongoing protests.
- The protests are part of a broader movement demanding radical change to Algeria's political system.
- The students and faculty of the University of Mouloud Mammeri are playing an active role in the protests.
