Hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets of Tizi-Ouzou in a massive protest against the Algerian government and system. The protest, which was described as a "spring of victory," was the largest yet seen in the city, surpassing the turnout of March 8. Protesters were demanding an end to the current system and the departure of President Bouteflika, who had announced his intention not to seek a fifth term but had not stepped down.
The protest began at the university campus in Hasnaoua, where dozens of young people had gathered early in the morning. As the day wore on, the crowd grew, with people coming from all over the wilaya to join the protest. By midday, the crowd had reached the CHU Nedir Mohammed hospital, but did not move from the university entrance. The march did not start until 1:30 pm, with protesters carrying flags and banners with slogans calling for the departure of the current system.
The slogans on the banners were clear in their demands, with chants of "Système dégage" and "Vous prolongez le mandat, on prolonge le combat." Other slogans called for the establishment of a constituent assembly and the respect of the constitution. The protesters were organized in groups and chanted slogans hostile to the current government, with some targeting specific parties, including the FLN.
One notable aspect of the protest was its peaceful nature, with protesters reiterating their commitment to non-violence. The protesters marched through the city, singing adapted stadium chants and songs by Lounes Matoub, as well as the national anthem. The protest was attended by people of all ages and backgrounds, including disabled individuals, local opposition politicians, and even some members of parties in power.
The protesters also expressed their anger towards French President Macron, who had been criticized for his support of the Algerian government. Several slogans and posters targeting Macron were displayed during the protest. After a sit-in, the protesters dispersed peacefully, with no incidents or clashes reported.
The protest was seen as a significant show of force against the Algerian government, with many describing it as a "day of celebration and revolt." The authorities did not deploy any significant security measures, and the protest passed off without incident. According to Kamela Haddoum, the protest was a major demonstration of the population's discontent with the current system.
The massive turnout and peaceful nature of the protest suggest that the Algerian people are united in their demand for change. The protest in Tizi-Ouzou is part of a wider movement of protests across Algeria, which have been ongoing for several weeks. The government has announced measures aimed at addressing the protesters' demands, but it remains to be seen whether these will be enough to quell the unrest.
Key points
- The protest in Tizi-Ouzou was a massive show of force against the Algerian government and system.
- The protesters were demanding an end to the current system and the departure of President Bouteflika.
- The protest was notable for its peaceful nature, with no incidents or clashes reported.
