Breaking News

Breaking: Defiant Protests in Algiers for Democratic Change

Last updated on September 11th, 2021 at 08:21 am

Protests During a Pandemic

Around 400 to 500 demonstrators took to the streets of Algiers on Monday in defiance of a nationwide ban on protests to demand democratic change as they also called for the release of over 60 members of the Hirak anti-government movement that saw president Abdelaziz Bouteflika step down last year.

The weekly demonstrations that followed the event came to a halt earlier this year due to coronavirus prevention restrictions in light of the pandemic.

Mohammed, 37 and a gainfully employed local shared his stance as he marched in protest, “We do not recognise this system in power and this constitution, and if it is passed (ed: a constitutional referendum is to be held at the end of the month), it will plunge us into the abyss, just as the predecessors of those in power plunged us into the abyss: we do not recognise them.”

The demonstrators could be heard chanting in unison, “The people want the fall of the regime” and “Yes to a civil state, no to a military state,” according to the CNLD and social media.

Another protester, Ali, a 41-year old artist, was impassioned, “I swear that whatever they do, we will not stop until we achieve independence, and I swear that we will continue to fight until this regime falls and the country achieves independence.”

1988 Pro-democracy Protest Anniversary

The protests resulted in the arrest of over 20 people; according to a prisoners support committee, the CNLD. The event is reminiscent of the coincidental anniversary of the October 1988 demonstrations that had Algeria declare a state of emergency — leaving hundreds of citizens dead but also ushering in political reform that ended a single-party system.

A resurgence of rallies in Algeria is expected with less than a month to go before a key referendum on constitutional reform — a vote the government hopes will meet protesters’ demands.

(AFP)

Albert Echetah

Recent Posts

At least 7 members of the Nigerian security forces are missing after insurgentsambushed their convoy

A team of 80 security agents tasked with protecting the electricity grid was ambushed onMonday in Shiroro, Niger State, by…

November 21, 2024

Cryptocurrency Gains Momentum inAfrica Amid Global Shifts in Trump’sElection

Cryptocurrency becomes the new thing in Africa. People shift for stable alternatives aftertheir unstable local currencies. Many people believe Donald…

November 21, 2024

UAE Delivers Lifeline: 30,000 Food BasketsBring Hope to Sudanese Refugees in Uganda

UAE has also distributed 30,000 food baskets to Sudanese refugees in Kiryandongo refugeecamp Uganda to benefit nearly 100,000 affected people.Aid…

November 21, 2024

Turkey wants to increase its trade with Africa to 50 billion dollars

The trade volume between Türkiye and 54 African countries has grown sevenfold, reaching $37 billion from 2003 to 2023, Yılmaz…

November 20, 2024

Tanzania, Botswana, and Mozambique Secure Spots in 2025 Africa Cup of Nations

The final round of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches was held this week with Tanzania, Botswana and…

November 20, 2024

Lucas Moripe: The Masterpiece of SA Football Leaves a Legacy

'Masterpieces' Lucas Moripe passed away at his Atteridgeville home on Tuesday at his senior year of 71. His style of…

November 20, 2024

This website uses cookies.