For the ninth consecutive Friday, hundreds of thousands of Algerians took to the streets of Tizi-Ouzou to demand the departure of the current system. The rally, which began in the early afternoon, drew people of all ages and social categories. They gathered at the intersection of the 1st November stadium and the boulevard leading to the Hasnaoua campus of Mouloud Mammeri University. The crowd swelled as the start of the march approached, with participants waving national and Amazigh flags and carrying banners calling for a change in the regime.
The protesters, who numbered in the hundreds of thousands, came from all corners of the wilaya to reiterate their rejection of the current system and its symbols. They called for a new democratic and social Republic. As the march progressed, chants and slogans echoed through the streets, with many demanding the departure of the current power and its representatives. Some slogans targeted Chief of Staff Gaïd Salah, urging him to take action rather than making promises. Others emphasized the need for a change in the system, rather than just a change within it.
The slogans chanted by the protesters reflected a strong desire for change, with many calling for an end to nepotism, arbitrariness, authoritarianism, and incompetence. Some of the most popular chants included "System that does not want to die, against a people who want to be born" and "Together to uproot nepotism, arbitrariness, authoritarianism, and incompetence". Others directly addressed Gaïd Salah, such as "Ya el Gaïd, what are you waiting for to arrest the crooks?" and "Salah, Toufik, fight on the ring, not on the back of the people".
The protesters also expressed their rejection of President Bensalah and the consultations he has initiated. Chants such as "No dialogue, no consultation, mandatory transition" reflected their skepticism towards the government's efforts to address the crisis. In contrast, some slogans emphasized the importance of popular sovereignty, with chants such as "The popular will is the key to success" and "The people have decided to apply the article without them".
The rally in Tizi-Ouzou was marked by a strong sense of determination and unity among the protesters. Despite the large numbers involved, the march proceeded calmly, with participants dispersing peacefully around 4 pm. However, the protesters vowed not to give up until their demands were met. According to Hocine T, a participant, the protesters were resolute in their determination to bring about change.
The ninth consecutive Friday of protests in Tizi-Ouzou has been hailed as a significant milestone in the country's ongoing crisis. The massive turnout and the diversity of the protesters have been seen as a testament to the strength of the popular movement. As the protests continue, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to the demands of the people.
The protests in Tizi-Ouzou are part of a wider movement that has been sweeping Algeria since February. The movement, which has been marked by widespread protests and demonstrations, is calling for a fundamental change in the country's politics and governance. As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the people of Algeria are determined to bring about change and to create a better future for themselves and their country.
Key points
- Hundreds of thousands of Algerians rally in Tizi-Ouzou for ninth consecutive Friday to demand departure of current system
- Protesters call for a new democratic and social Republic and reject current system and its symbols
- Protests are part of a wider movement calling for fundamental change in Algeria's politics and governance
