Algeria: Hundreds of Thousands Echo ‘Arab Spring’ Cry

By Staff, Agencies

Hundreds of thousands of Algerian took to the streets of the capital city of Algiers Friday to demand the resignation of President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, in the biggest demonstration since unrest erupted six weeks ago.

In at least one location, a Reuters correspondent saw police opening fire with tear gas and rubber bullets, and chasing and beating demonstrators, after youths hurled stones at them.

The turnout came days after the military called for the ageing leader’s removal to end a growing political crisis. State television showed protests in several other cities.

The protests have been largely peaceful but have put pressure on the army to act. Some witnesses estimated the number of people on the streets Friday at around 1 million, but authorities said it was lower.

While many people resent the power held by Bouteflika and his shrinking inner circle, they also reject the idea of army intervention in civilian political life.

“Street pressure will continue until the system goes,” student Mohammad Djemai said, as hundreds of riot police kept an eye on the protests and helicopters flew overhead.

“We have only one word to say today: all the gang must go immediately, game over,” said Ali, a merchant, as other protesters shouted “The people want the fall of the regime!” - the rallying cry of the 2011 so-called ‘Arab Spring’ uprisings.

Families stood on balconies above the streets cheering the marchers, who ranged from journalists, doctors and teachers to homeless people.

The army chief of staff, Lt. Gen. Ahmed Gaid Salah, Tuesday asked the Constitutional Council to rule whether the ailing 82-year-old president was fit for office.

The move further isolated Bouteflika, who has failed to placate the protesters by reversing a decision to seek a fifth term.

Algeria has long been dominated by veterans of the 1954-62 independence war against France, but many now see these as too old and out of touch. The protesters want to replace the establishment with a new generation capable of modernizing the oil-dependent state and giving hope to a young population impatient for a better life. The military, for its part, has stayed in its barracks throughout the unrest.

But Salah’s call for Bouteflika to step down was a clear reminder to Algerians that the army intends to retain its vast influence in national affairs.