For the sixth consecutive Friday, tens of thousands of Algerians took to the streets of Tizi-Ouzou to protest against the government, undeterred by the call from the head of the army to invoke Article 102 of the Constitution. The protests, which began at the Mouloud Mammeri University, drew people from all over the wilaya, including students, intellectuals, and opposition activists. The crowd chanted slogans and waved national and Amazigh flags as they marched through the city.
The protests, which started at 13h, were marked by a strong sense of determination and unity among the demonstrators. The marchers, who numbered in the tens of thousands, chanted slogans such as "Système dégage !" and "El Chaab Yourid Isqat El Nidam", calling for the departure of the entire system. The protesters also expressed their rejection of any foreign interference, with slogans such as "USA, KSA, France… Taisez-vous !" and "Ne me libère pas je m’en charge".
The protesters' response to the army's call to invoke Article 102 was clear: they rejected the proposed solution, seeing it as too little, too late. Chants such as "Non à l’application de l’article 102, pour l’application de l’article 2019 : Tetnehaw Ga3" and "Rendez le pouvoir au peuple et dégagez" reflected their desire for a more comprehensive change. The protesters also targeted specific political parties and figures, with slogans such as "Le FLN au musée" and "Ahmed Ouyahia le caméléon dégage".
The protests were marked by a strong sense of patriotism and solidarity, with many demonstrators chanting patriotic songs and creating artistic displays. The event was also notable for the absence of any major incidents or clashes with the authorities. According to reports, the protests passed off peacefully, with the crowd dispersing calmly at the end of the march.
The protests in Tizi-Ouzou are part of a wider movement of demonstrations that have been taking place across Algeria since February 22. The protests, which have been sparked by a range of issues including corruption, unemployment, and authoritarianism, have become a regular occurrence, with many Algerians calling for a fundamental change in the country's politics and governance.
The government has faced mounting pressure to address the protesters' demands, but so far, it has been unclear how the authorities will respond. The invocation of Article 102, which would allow for the president to be replaced, has been seen as a potential compromise, but the protesters have made it clear that they will not be satisfied with anything less than a complete overhaul of the system.
The protests in Tizi-Ouzou and elsewhere in Algeria are a testament to the determination and resilience of the Algerian people, who are demanding a better future for themselves and their country. As the protests continue, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to the protesters' demands and what the future holds for Algeria.
Key points
- Algerian protesters reject proposed solution to ongoing crisis, calling for complete overhaul of the system
- Tens of thousands take to the streets of Tizi-Ouzou for sixth consecutive Friday
- Protesters chant slogans and wave flags, calling for departure of entire system and rejection of foreign interference
