For the 25th consecutive Friday, thousands of protesters took to the streets of Tizi Ouzou, Algeria, to demand change and express their dissatisfaction with the current system. The march, which began at the Hasnaoua campus, drew large crowds who chanted slogans and carried signs calling for a new Algeria and an end to the current regime. Protesters demanded the release of all detained activists and rejected any dialogue led by the government.
The protesters, who numbered in the thousands, chanted slogans such as "Dawla madania, macthi âaskaria" and "Pour une Algérie nouvelle !", while others carried signs that read "Nous voulons une véritable démocratie !" and "Ulac l’vote". The protesters also targeted high-ranking officials, including the head of state and the military chief of staff, with chants and signs calling for their removal.
The protesters expressed their opposition to the dialogue and panel led by Karim Younes, which they see as an attempt by the government to maintain its grip on power. Chants and signs rejected the panel as "supplétif" and called for the government to step down, with protesters demanding that "Le peuple ne négocie pas, il exige votre retrait". The protesters also called for a new and genuine democratic process.
The protesters also demanded the release of detained activists, including Bouragâa, and criticized what they called the "presse de la honte", or press of shame. Several media representatives were reportedly asked to leave the area. The protesters then dispersed peacefully after gathering at the Bougie square, vowing to return until their demands are met and the government steps down.
The residents of Tizi Ouzou showed their support for the protesters, offering them fresh water along the route of the march. Young people also helped clean up the main street of the city after the protesters had passed, collecting trash and empty bottles. The protesters' determination and the community's support suggest that the movement is unlikely to fade anytime soon.
The 25th consecutive Friday of protests in Tizi Ouzou highlights the ongoing discontent in Algeria, where protesters have been demanding change and an end to the current system since February 22. The protesters' slogans and signs suggest that they are committed to achieving their goals, including the release of detained activists and a new and genuine democratic process.
The situation in Tizi Ouzou remains uncertain, with protesters vowing to continue their demonstrations until their demands are met. The government's response to the protests remains unclear, but the protesters' determination and the community's support suggest that the movement will continue to be a significant force in Algerian politics.
Key points
- The protesters are demanding the release of detained activists, including Bouragâa.
- The protesters rejected any dialogue led by the government, seeing it as an attempt to maintain its grip on power.
- The protesters are calling for a new and genuine democratic process in Algeria.
