Protests in Algeria Call For Revolution on Independence Anniversary
Algerian protesters gathered to rally against former-President Abdelaziz Bouteflika. (Wikimedia Commons)
Thousands of protesters took to the streets of Algiers on November 1, the 65th anniversary of the start of Algeria’s war for independence from France. The protesters marched to decry the current ruling elite and to call for change before the upcoming national elections, which they claim will not be fair or transparent under the present system.
These protests have taken place every Friday since February 22, with the most recent protest being one of the largest, with several thousands marching the streets. Protests have drawn comparisons to the fight for independence against France in 1954. France held Algeria as a colony for 132 years until the war for independence began on November 1, 1954, led by the National Liberation Front (FLN). One flier advertising the protest reads, “History is repeating itself. November 1, 1954-2019. The 48—provinces in the capital to remember the start of the glorious liberation revolution [sic].”
Protesters are primarily denouncing the Algerian ruling elite, known commonly as Le Pouvoir, or “The Power” by the Algerian people. The Power is comprised of elected government officials, powerful military figures in the national army, and wealthy private citizens. The Algerian people have criticized these figures for corruption and undemocratic practices.
The country is currently under the rule of an interim government named by former-President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, with close oversight by the army. Bouteflika resigned in April after nearly 20 years as president, following protests that began after he declared his intention to seek a fifth term in office. To many, he was a symbol of the out-of-touch ruling elite. However, presidential elections now slated for December were postponed in April and again in July due to a lack of candidates. The Algerian electoral authority has just announced the five candidates who will be running in the election, all of whom were members of the political elite being protested: former-Prime Ministers Abdelmadjid Tebboune and Ali Benflis, former-Minister of Culture Azzedine Mihoubi, former-Minister of Tourism Abdelkader Bengrine, and Abdelaziz Belaid, head of the El Mostakbal Movement party.
For protesters, the upcoming elections reflect an opportunity for Algeria to become a fairer and more transparent democracy. However, protesters are unenthusiastic about the upcoming elections as they question whether the process can provide the institutional change necessary to lift Algeria from the control of the ruling elite. The opposition movement Hirak has rejected the election, calling for a small turnout in protest. Election observers expect a weak turnout as well.
Above all, these protests are representative of widespread discontent with the Algerian government system. It is unlikely that protests will cease anytime soon, especially with the heightening tensions leading up to the elections. Algerians are pressing for a new political revolution, 65 years after their revolution and fight for independence against France.