Abdelaziz Bouteflika, who ruled Algeria for two decades before resigning in 2019 as huge protests engulfed the country, died on Friday aged 84, public television announced.

The former strongman had left office in April 2019 under pressure from the military, following weeks of demonstrations over his bid to run for a fifth term in office.

After quitting, he had stayed out of the public eye at a residence in western Algiers.

Bouteflika became president of Algeria in 1999 as the former French colony emerged from a decade of civil war that killed nearly 200,000 people.

Dubbed "Boutef" by Algerians, he initially won respect for helping foster peace, notably with an amnesty law that prompted thousands of Islamist fighters to hand in their weapons.

Bouteflika went on to be elected for three more consecutive five-year terms, most recently in 2014.

Journalist Farid Alilat, who has written a biography of Bouteflika, says that at the height of his rule in the early 2000s, the president had "all the levers of power".

Crucially, he was backed by the army and the intelligence services.

"He became an absolute president," Alilat told AFP.

Algeria was largely spared the wave of uprisings that swept the Arab world in 2011, with many crediting still-painful memories of the conflict in the 1990s for keeping a lid on tensions.

But Bouteflika's rule was marked by growing corruption, leaving many Algerians wondering how a country with vast oil wealth could end up with poor infrastructure and high unemployment that pushed many young people overseas.

Health concerns

In his later years, Bouteflika's ill health started weighing on his credibility as a leader.&nbsp;

Despite suffering a mini-stroke in April 2013 that affected his speech and forced him to use a wheelchair, he decided to seek a fourth mandate despite growing public doubts about his ability to rule.&nbsp;

His bid in 2019 for a fifth term sparked angry protests that soon grew into a mass movement against his regime.

When he lost the backing of the army, he was forced to step down.

The Hirak mass protests continued, with demands for a full overhaul of the ruling system in place since Algeria's independence from France in 1962.

But while some key Bouteflika-era figures were eventually jailed in corruption cases, including Bouteflika's powerful brother Said, the long-sought changes did not happen.

Bouteflika's successor Abdelmadjid Tebboune was elected in late 2019 on record low turnout, with the Hirak calling for a boycott.&nbsp;

A referendum on a constitutional amendment seen as aiming to torpedo the Hirak generated even less interest from voters.

But the protest movement was suspended because of the coronavirus pandemic and has struggled to regain momentum as the government cracks down on opposition.

According to the CNLD prisoners' group, around 200 people are in jail in connection with the Hirak or over individual freedoms.

And with the Bouteflika-era old guard still largely ruling the country, the legacy of two decades of his rule is mixed.

"For his entire life, Abdelaziz Bouteflika was driven by two obsessions: take power and keep it at any price," said Alilat.&nbsp;

"But it was this obsession... that sp

Abdelaziz Bouteflika, who ruled Algeria for two decades before resigning in 2019 as huge protests engulfed the country, died on Friday aged 84, public television announced.

Abdelaziz Bouteflika, who ruled Algeria for two decades before resigning in 2019 as huge protests engulfed the country, died on Friday aged 84, public television announced. The former strongman had left office in April 2019 under pressure from the military, following weeks of demonstrations over his bid to run for a fifth term in office. After quitting, he had stayed out of the public eye at a residence in western Algiers. Bouteflika became president of Algeria in 1999 as the former French colony emerged from a decade of civil war that killed nearly 200,000 people. Dubbed "Boutef" by Algerians, he initially won respect for helping foster peace, notably with an amnesty law that prompted thousands of Islamist fighters to hand in their weapons. Bouteflika went on to be elected for three more consecutive five-year terms, most recently in 2014. Journalist Farid Alilat, who has written a biography of Bouteflika, says that at the height of his rule in the early 2000s, the president had "all the levers of power". Crucially, he was backed by the army and the intelligence services. "He became an absolute president," Alilat told AFP. Algeria was largely spared the wave of uprisings that swept the Arab world in 2011, with many crediting still-painful memories of the conflict in the 1990s for keeping a lid on tensions. But Bouteflika's rule was marked by growing corruption, leaving many Algerians wondering how a country with vast oil wealth could end up with poor infrastructure and high unemployment that pushed many young people overseas. Health concerns In his later years, Bouteflika's ill health started weighing on his credibility as a leader. Despite suffering a mini-stroke in April 2013 that affected his speech and forced him to use a wheelchair, he decided to seek a fourth mandate despite growing public doubts about his ability to rule. His bid in 2019 for a fifth term sparked angry protests that soon grew into a mass movement against his regime. When he lost the backing of the army, he was forced to step down. The Hirak mass protests continued, with demands for a full overhaul of the ruling system in place since Algeria's independence from France in 1962. But while some key Bouteflika-era figures were eventually jailed in corruption cases, including Bouteflika's powerful brother Said, the long-sought changes did not happen. Bouteflika's successor Abdelmadjid Tebboune was elected in late 2019 on record low turnout, with the Hirak calling for a boycott. A referendum on a constitutional amendment seen as aiming to torpedo the Hirak generated even less interest from voters. But the protest movement was suspended because of the coronavirus pandemic and has struggled to regain momentum as the government cracks down on opposition. According to the CNLD prisoners' group, around 200 people are in jail in connection with the Hirak or over individual freedoms. And with the Bouteflika-era old guard still largely ruling the country, the legacy of two decades of his rule is mixed. "For his entire life, Abdelaziz Bouteflika was driven by two obsessions: take power and keep it at any price," said Alilat. "But it was this obsession... that sp

Algeria's ex-president Abdelaziz Bouteflika dies aged 84

A&nbsp;leading&nbsp;Algerian&nbsp;opposition&nbsp;activist has been detained and is to appear before prosecutors on Thursday, his lawyer said, weeks ahead of elections he and other opponents have pledged to boycott.

Karim Tabbou, a key&nbsp;figure&nbsp;in demonstrations that forced longtime president Abdelaziz Bouteflika to resign in 2019, was handed a one-year suspended sentence last year for "undermining state security".

His detention comes as the pro-democracy protest movement known as Hirak has sought to regain some of the momentum it lost when it suspended street rallies just over a year ago due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Tabbou was summoned to the police station on Wednesday evening to respond to a complaint filed against him by Bouzid Lazhari, the president of the National Council for Human Rights, an official body.

The 47-year-old was to appear before a prosecutor on Thursday, lawyer Me Ali Fellah Benali said on social media.

"Algeria's youth is determined to fight for their right to a dignified life," Tabbou told AFP ahead of his detention.

He became one of the most recognisable leaders at mass demonstrations that broke out in February 2019.

The Hirak protest movement was sparked in February 2019&nbsp;over Bouteflika's bid for a fifth term in office.

The ailing autocrat was forced to step down weeks later, but the Hirak has continued its demonstrations, demanding a sweeping overhaul of a ruling system in place since&nbsp;Algeria's independence from France in 1962.

Since the group's second anniversary in February, thousands have returned to the streets, defying a coronavirus ban on gatherings.

Ordinary Algerians 'fed up'

Tabbou said his own party, the Democratic Social Union, was now "the largest political party" in the North African country, despite it being unregistered by the authorities.

His detention comes as activists warn of an increasing climate of repression, with political opponents and journalists targeted in the run-up to the legislative elections on June 12.

Earlier this month, security forces arrested eight people they said were linked to the Hirak movement over an allegedly foreign-financed criminal association.

President Abdelmadjid Tebboune this month warned Hirak activists against "non-innocent activities" that "attempt to hinder the democratic process".

Authorities say the protest movement is being infiltrated by Islamist activists who are trying to drag it towards violence.

President Tebboune served as a prime minister under Bouteflika and won a presidential election in December 2019, in a poll that was boycotted by the protest movement. Official data put the turnout at less than 40 per cent.

In further moves dismissed by the protest movement as window dressing, Tebboune oversaw a constitutional referendum late last year and brought the legislative elections forward, in a bid to soothe the political and socio-economic crisis.

"This election does not concern us," activist Tabbou told AFP.

"The regime mobilised colossal resources to hold a false presidential election, a false referendum -- and now it organises false legislative elections," he said.

Ordinary Algerians were fed up, he said. "We see the country as a barracks".

A leading Algerian opposition activist has been detained and is to appear before prosecutors on Thursday, his lawyer said, weeks ahead of elections he and other opponents have pledged to boycott.

A leading Algerian opposition activist has been detained and is to appear before prosecutors on Thursday, his lawyer said, weeks ahead of elections he and other opponents have pledged to boycott. Karim Tabbou, a key figure in demonstrations that forced longtime president Abdelaziz Bouteflika to resign in 2019, was handed a one-year suspended sentence last year for "undermining state security". His detention comes as the pro-democracy protest movement known as Hirak has sought to regain some of the momentum it lost when it suspended street rallies just over a year ago due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Tabbou was summoned to the police station on Wednesday evening to respond to a complaint filed against him by Bouzid Lazhari, the president of the National Council for Human Rights, an official body. The 47-year-old was to appear before a prosecutor on Thursday, lawyer Me Ali Fellah Benali said on social media. "Algeria's youth is determined to fight for their right to a dignified life," Tabbou told AFP ahead of his detention. He became one of the most recognisable leaders at mass demonstrations that broke out in February 2019. The Hirak protest movement was sparked in February 2019 over Bouteflika's bid for a fifth term in office. The ailing autocrat was forced to step down weeks later, but the Hirak has continued its demonstrations, demanding a sweeping overhaul of a ruling system in place since Algeria's independence from France in 1962. Since the group's second anniversary in February, thousands have returned to the streets, defying a coronavirus ban on gatherings. Ordinary Algerians 'fed up' Tabbou said his own party, the Democratic Social Union, was now "the largest political party" in the North African country, despite it being unregistered by the authorities. His detention comes as activists warn of an increasing climate of repression, with political opponents and journalists targeted in the run-up to the legislative elections on June 12. Earlier this month, security forces arrested eight people they said were linked to the Hirak movement over an allegedly foreign-financed criminal association. President Abdelmadjid Tebboune this month warned Hirak activists against "non-innocent activities" that "attempt to hinder the democratic process". Authorities say the protest movement is being infiltrated by Islamist activists who are trying to drag it towards violence. President Tebboune served as a prime minister under Bouteflika and won a presidential election in December 2019, in a poll that was boycotted by the protest movement. Official data put the turnout at less than 40 per cent. In further moves dismissed by the protest movement as window dressing, Tebboune oversaw a constitutional referendum late last year and brought the legislative elections forward, in a bid to soothe the political and socio-economic crisis. "This election does not concern us," activist Tabbou told AFP. "The regime mobilised colossal resources to hold a false presidential election, a false referendum -- and now it organises false legislative elections," he said. Ordinary Algerians were fed up, he said. "We see the country as a barracks".

Algeria detains leading opposition figure

Algeria's President Abdelmadjid Tebboune said Sunday he was recovering from the Covid-19 illness, in his first televised appearance since he was hospitalised in Germany almost two months ago.&nbsp;

"Thanks to God... I have started on the road to recovery," the 75-year-old said a day after the first anniversary of his election.&nbsp;

"It may take two or three weeks but, God willing, I will recover all my bodily strength."

The video was broadcast on state television and published on Tebboune's Twitter feed.

He did not indicate his location, but his Twitter feed indicated that he was outside Algeria.

Tebboune, a heavy smoker, was hospitalised in Germany on October 28, and Algerian authorities later announced that he had the Covid-19 illness.&nbsp;

His absence had sparked concerns of an institutional crisis, weeks after voters approved a revised constitution on record low turnout in a referendum widely seen as a manoeuvre to neutralise the long-running Hirak protest movement.

Tebboune has been unable to sign the revised constitution into law because he must be on Algerian soil to do so.

He also has until December 31 to sign off on a 2021 budget.

But he said Sunday he was following developments in Algeria "day by day, if not hour by hour", and noted progress in cutting the country's daily toll of coronavirus infections.

Visibly thinner than before and wearing a casual jacket, he sat at a desk next to an Algerian flag.&nbsp;

Economic woes

Tebboune won last year's widely boycotted December 12 presidential election, following months of mass protests that had swept his predecessor Abdelaziz Bouteflika from office.

Tebboune's prolonged disappearance had reminded many Algerians of Bouteflika's frequent hospitalisations abroad.

Last month's constitutional referendum, timed to coincide with Algeria's 1962 independence from France, had been seen as a bid to boost Tebboune's legitimacy.

But with the president overseas and the Hirak urging a boycott, the vote saw even lower turnout than the election that brought Tebboune to power.

His absence came as Algeria faces a sharp recession due to the coronavirus pandemic and a gaping budget deficit due to low crude prices that have slashed the country's vital oil revenues.

Tebboune has promised to fight for a "strong and diversified" economy and work to wean the country off oil.

He vowed Sunday that "no citizen on a low income will be hit by new taxes."

Tebboune has also reached out to the "blessed" Hirak, which staged over a year of mass protests until it was forced to suspend them amid coronavirus restrictions earlier this year.

But his administration has overseen a crackdown on dissent.&nbsp;

Prisoners' rights group the CNLD says around 90 activists, social media users and journalists are currently in custody, mostly for social media posts.

"Tebboune could have created legitimacy, launching large projects of political, economic and institutional renewal," Charef said.&nbsp;

"But he has not been able to, or has not known how."

Algeria's President Abdelmadjid Tebboune said Sunday he was recovering from the Covid-19 illness, in his first televised appearance since he was hospitalised in Germany almost two months ago.

Algeria's President Abdelmadjid Tebboune said Sunday he was recovering from the Covid-19 illness, in his first televised appearance since he was hospitalised in Germany almost two months ago. "Thanks to God... I have started on the road to recovery," the 75-year-old said a day after the first anniversary of his election. "It may take two or three weeks but, God willing, I will recover all my bodily strength." The video was broadcast on state television and published on Tebboune's Twitter feed. He did not indicate his location, but his Twitter feed indicated that he was outside Algeria. Tebboune, a heavy smoker, was hospitalised in Germany on October 28, and Algerian authorities later announced that he had the Covid-19 illness. His absence had sparked concerns of an institutional crisis, weeks after voters approved a revised constitution on record low turnout in a referendum widely seen as a manoeuvre to neutralise the long-running Hirak protest movement. Tebboune has been unable to sign the revised constitution into law because he must be on Algerian soil to do so. He also has until December 31 to sign off on a 2021 budget. But he said Sunday he was following developments in Algeria "day by day, if not hour by hour", and noted progress in cutting the country's daily toll of coronavirus infections. Visibly thinner than before and wearing a casual jacket, he sat at a desk next to an Algerian flag. Economic woes Tebboune won last year's widely boycotted December 12 presidential election, following months of mass protests that had swept his predecessor Abdelaziz Bouteflika from office. Tebboune's prolonged disappearance had reminded many Algerians of Bouteflika's frequent hospitalisations abroad. Last month's constitutional referendum, timed to coincide with Algeria's 1962 independence from France, had been seen as a bid to boost Tebboune's legitimacy. But with the president overseas and the Hirak urging a boycott, the vote saw even lower turnout than the election that brought Tebboune to power. His absence came as Algeria faces a sharp recession due to the coronavirus pandemic and a gaping budget deficit due to low crude prices that have slashed the country's vital oil revenues. Tebboune has promised to fight for a "strong and diversified" economy and work to wean the country off oil. He vowed Sunday that "no citizen on a low income will be hit by new taxes." Tebboune has also reached out to the "blessed" Hirak, which staged over a year of mass protests until it was forced to suspend them amid coronavirus restrictions earlier this year. But his administration has overseen a crackdown on dissent. Prisoners' rights group the CNLD says around 90 activists, social media users and journalists are currently in custody, mostly for social media posts. "Tebboune could have created legitimacy, launching large projects of political, economic and institutional renewal," Charef said. "But he has not been able to, or has not known how."

Algeria president in first TV appearance in almost two months

Algeria's powerful army chief Lieutenant General Ahmed Gaed Salah, who was instrumental in bringing down long-time president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ex-premier-elected-algerian-president-thousands-prepare-to-march-268146">Abdelaziz Bouteflika</a>, has died of a heart attack, state media reported on Monday.

The 79-year-old's death comes at a time of mass protests across Africa's largest country, with many <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/algerian-spring-will-it-change-the-arab-course-203473">Algerians</a> demanding that the ruling elite relinquish power and the influential military step back from politics.

Gaed Salah's departure may not signify major changes to Algeria's economic and political policies, however, with the country's senior generals united over the handling of the protests.

"The army hierarchy is unified and it will move on after Gaed Salah as it did before him. Algeria's army is a single block, not under the influence of one general but with consensus as its engine," said a retired general who asked not to be named.

President Abdelmadjid Tebboune announced a three-day mourning period and said the head of land forces, General Said Chengriha, would take over as acting chief of staff of the military.

Gaed Salah's death comes less than a week after Tebboune was inaugurated following an election that the army had pushed for as the only way to resolve the crisis over the mass protests. Demonstrators opposed the vote and official figures showed only 40 per cent of the electorate cast ballots.

The authorities have so far rejected any systematic attempt to crush the protests with violence, allowing them to continue each week but stepping up the police presence in recent months and detaining many demonstrators.

"He kept his promise to save the blood of Algerians during a tough period," Islam Benatia, a prominent figure in the protest movement, said on Facebook.

The army's central role in Algerian politics was underlined last week when Tebboune's first act after being sworn in was to embrace Gaed Salah and present him with an order of merit.

Weeks after mass protests erupted early this year, Gaed Salah's televised speech urging president Bouteflika to quit swiftly led to the veteran leader's resignation.

The army then backed a series of arrests of Bouteflika allies and senior businessmen in an anti-corruption campaign that was widely seen as a purge of the military's rivals within the ruling system.

But it was not enough to appease the protesters, many of whom had begun calling for Gaed Salah's resignation. One constant chant throughout the protests has been for "A civilian state, not a military state".

The army has been central to Algerian politics since it won independence from France in 1962 following a guerrilla war against the colonial power. Most of the country's leaders since that period, including Gaed Salah and the new acting army chief Chengriha, have been veterans of that struggle.

Gaed Salah received military training in the Soviet Union and became head of<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/algeria-prosecutor-seeks-heavy-sentences-against-ex-politicians-charged-with-corruption-267017"> Algeria</a>'s land forces in 1994, early in the civil war between the state and Islamist insurgents that killed 200,000 people.

Bouteflika appointed him army chief a decade later. In the past 15 years, he consolidated the military's power in the ruling elite, helping Bouteflika face down the once-dominant intelligence service.

As Bouteflika and his allies were ousted this year, the army's central role became more pronounced and Gaed Salah emerged as the most powerful figure in the country.

He pushed hard for this month's election to replace Bouteflika, a vote that the protesters rejected as a charade designed to keep the ruling elite in place, but was seen by the army as necessary to restore constitutional rule.

"Thank God we have a president now. Imagine what would have happened if there was no president," said another retired general.

Gaed Salah's funeral will take place on Tuesday, a day on which students have been staging weekly protests for much of the year.

Algeria's powerful army chief Lieutenant General Ahmed Gaed Salah, who was instrumental in bringing down long-time president Abdelaziz Bouteflika, has died of a heart attack, state media reported on Monday.

Algeria's powerful army chief Lieutenant General Ahmed Gaed Salah, who was instrumental in bringing down long-time president Abdelaziz Bouteflika, has died of a heart attack, state media reported on Monday. The 79-year-old's death comes at a time of mass protests across Africa's largest country, with many Algerians demanding that the ruling elite relinquish power and the influential military step back from politics. Gaed Salah's departure may not signify major changes to Algeria's economic and political policies, however, with the country's senior generals united over the handling of the protests. "The army hierarchy is unified and it will move on after Gaed Salah as it did before him. Algeria's army is a single block, not under the influence of one general but with consensus as its engine," said a retired general who asked not to be named. President Abdelmadjid Tebboune announced a three-day mourning period and said the head of land forces, General Said Chengriha, would take over as acting chief of staff of the military. Gaed Salah's death comes less than a week after Tebboune was inaugurated following an election that the army had pushed for as the only way to resolve the crisis over the mass protests. Demonstrators opposed the vote and official figures showed only 40 per cent of the electorate cast ballots. The authorities have so far rejected any systematic attempt to crush the protests with violence, allowing them to continue each week but stepping up the police presence in recent months and detaining many demonstrators. "He kept his promise to save the blood of Algerians during a tough period," Islam Benatia, a prominent figure in the protest movement, said on Facebook. The army's central role in Algerian politics was underlined last week when Tebboune's first act after being sworn in was to embrace Gaed Salah and present him with an order of merit. Weeks after mass protests erupted early this year, Gaed Salah's televised speech urging president Bouteflika to quit swiftly led to the veteran leader's resignation. The army then backed a series of arrests of Bouteflika allies and senior businessmen in an anti-corruption campaign that was widely seen as a purge of the military's rivals within the ruling system. But it was not enough to appease the protesters, many of whom had begun calling for Gaed Salah's resignation. One constant chant throughout the protests has been for "A civilian state, not a military state". The army has been central to Algerian politics since it won independence from France in 1962 following a guerrilla war against the colonial power. Most of the country's leaders since that period, including Gaed Salah and the new acting army chief Chengriha, have been veterans of that struggle. Gaed Salah received military training in the Soviet Union and became head of Algeria's land forces in 1994, early in the civil war between the state and Islamist insurgents that killed 200,000 people. Bouteflika appointed him army chief a decade later. In the past 15 years, he consolidated the military's power in the ruling elite, helping Bouteflika face down the once-dominant intelligence service. As Bouteflika and his allies were ousted this year, the army's central role became more pronounced and Gaed Salah emerged as the most powerful figure in the country. He pushed hard for this month's election to replace Bouteflika, a vote that the protesters rejected as a charade designed to keep the ruling elite in place, but was seen by the army as necessary to restore constitutional rule. "Thank God we have a president now. Imagine what would have happened if there was no president," said another retired general. Gaed Salah's funeral will take place on Tuesday, a day on which students have been staging weekly protests for much of the year.

Algeria's powerful army chief dies at pivotal point in political crisis

Algeria held a tense presidential election Thursday meant to bring stability after a year of turmoil, but voting was marred as protesters stormed polling stations and thousands rallied in the capital.

The unpopular vote comes almost 10 months after a people power movement ousted president Abdelaziz Bouteflika, 82, after two decades in office, and as demonstrators keep pushing for an end to the military-backed political system.

Tens of thousands rallied in central Algiers, defying a heavy police presence backed by water cannon and helicopters, and despite the arrests of at least 10 activists meant to prevent a repeat of the previous day's anti-election rallies.

"The people want independence," they chanted after breaking through a police cordon and filling the streets outside the Central Post Office, their symbolic meeting place in more than 40 weeks of rallies.

A group stormed a polling station in the capital, suspending voting there for about half an hour, before police pushed them out again, AFP reporters witnessed.

Unrest also erupted in the northern mountain region of Kabylie, home to much of the country's Berber minority, where groups "ransacked the ballot boxes and destroyed part of the electoral lists" in Bejaia, a resident said.

Video footage shared on social media, purportedly from a polling station there, showed dozens of people tossing ballot papers into the air and stamping on them, while clips from other cities showed large demonstrations.

Crowds also surrounded a government building in Tizi Ouzou, where security forces fired teargas to repel them, witnesses told AFP from the region with a long history of opposition to the central government.

'Mired in crisis'

Voter participation appeared to be low in the ballot, where five candidates were in the running -- all of them widely rejected as "children of the regime" by the protesters.

Among them are two of the ousted leader's former prime ministers -- Abdelmajid Tebboune, 74, and Ali Benflis, 75 -- and a former minister, Azzedine Mihoubi.

While only a trickle of voters cast their ballots in some districts, national television showed long queues elsewhere, leading some online commentators to wonder "how much they have been paid".

Two hours after the start of voting, turnout stood at 7.9 per cent of the 24 million eligible voters, said the electoral authority -- a "respectable" level according to its president Mohamed Charfi.

"I am voting because I am afraid that the country will get mired in the crisis," said Karim, a 28-year-old civil servant.&nbsp;

Mahdid Saadi, a 76-year-old retiree, showed off his voter card with many stamps and said: "I have always voted and I still vote today, it is a duty."

Polls were scheduled to close at 1800 GMT but the result may not be announced for another day or later, as was the case after previous elections already marked by high abstention rates.

Whoever wins will struggle to be accepted by the electorate in the north African country, where many citizens see the government as inept, corrupt and unable to manage the flagging economy.

"None of the five candidates can hope to be considered legitimate" in the eyes of the protesters, said Anthony Skinner, Middle East and North Africa director at risk analysis company Verisk Maplecroft.

'No to the system'

The "Hirak" street movement kicked off when Bouteflika announced in February he would seek a fifth term in office.

Since then protesters have stayed on the streets, demanding the total dismantling of the system that has ruled Algeria since independence from France in 1962.

The military high command, which long wielded power from the shadows, has been forced to take a more visible role and has pushed for the election as a way to withdraw behind the scenes again.

Demonstrators have vented their anger at army chief Ahmed Gaid Salah, who has emerged as Algeria's de facto strongman.

A previous poll set for July was scrapped for lack of viable candidates and interim president Abdelkader Bensalah's term technically ended five months ago.

Given the broad opposition, the five candidates have run low-key campaigns, usually under heavy police protection and often being drowned out by hecklers.

Algeria held a tense presidential election Thursday meant to bring stability after a year of turmoil, but voting was marred as protesters stormed polling stations and thousands rallied in the capital.

Algeria held a tense presidential election Thursday meant to bring stability after a year of turmoil, but voting was marred as protesters stormed polling stations and thousands rallied in the capital. The unpopular vote comes almost 10 months after a people power movement ousted president Abdelaziz Bouteflika, 82, after two decades in office, and as demonstrators keep pushing for an end to the military-backed political system. Tens of thousands rallied in central Algiers, defying a heavy police presence backed by water cannon and helicopters, and despite the arrests of at least 10 activists meant to prevent a repeat of the previous day's anti-election rallies. "The people want independence," they chanted after breaking through a police cordon and filling the streets outside the Central Post Office, their symbolic meeting place in more than 40 weeks of rallies. A group stormed a polling station in the capital, suspending voting there for about half an hour, before police pushed them out again, AFP reporters witnessed. Unrest also erupted in the northern mountain region of Kabylie, home to much of the country's Berber minority, where groups "ransacked the ballot boxes and destroyed part of the electoral lists" in Bejaia, a resident said. Video footage shared on social media, purportedly from a polling station there, showed dozens of people tossing ballot papers into the air and stamping on them, while clips from other cities showed large demonstrations. Crowds also surrounded a government building in Tizi Ouzou, where security forces fired teargas to repel them, witnesses told AFP from the region with a long history of opposition to the central government. 'Mired in crisis' Voter participation appeared to be low in the ballot, where five candidates were in the running -- all of them widely rejected as "children of the regime" by the protesters. Among them are two of the ousted leader's former prime ministers -- Abdelmajid Tebboune, 74, and Ali Benflis, 75 -- and a former minister, Azzedine Mihoubi. While only a trickle of voters cast their ballots in some districts, national television showed long queues elsewhere, leading some online commentators to wonder "how much they have been paid". Two hours after the start of voting, turnout stood at 7.9 per cent of the 24 million eligible voters, said the electoral authority -- a "respectable" level according to its president Mohamed Charfi. "I am voting because I am afraid that the country will get mired in the crisis," said Karim, a 28-year-old civil servant. Mahdid Saadi, a 76-year-old retiree, showed off his voter card with many stamps and said: "I have always voted and I still vote today, it is a duty." Polls were scheduled to close at 1800 GMT but the result may not be announced for another day or later, as was the case after previous elections already marked by high abstention rates. Whoever wins will struggle to be accepted by the electorate in the north African country, where many citizens see the government as inept, corrupt and unable to manage the flagging economy. "None of the five candidates can hope to be considered legitimate" in the eyes of the protesters, said Anthony Skinner, Middle East and North Africa director at risk analysis company Verisk Maplecroft. 'No to the system' The "Hirak" street movement kicked off when Bouteflika announced in February he would seek a fifth term in office. Since then protesters have stayed on the streets, demanding the total dismantling of the system that has ruled Algeria since independence from France in 1962. The military high command, which long wielded power from the shadows, has been forced to take a more visible role and has pushed for the election as a way to withdraw behind the scenes again. Demonstrators have vented their anger at army chief Ahmed Gaid Salah, who has emerged as Algeria's de facto strongman. A previous poll set for July was scrapped for lack of viable candidates and interim president Abdelkader Bensalah's term technically ended five months ago. Given the broad opposition, the five candidates have run low-key campaigns, usually under heavy police protection and often being drowned out by hecklers.

Protests, unrest mar Algeria's disputed presidential vote

Polls opened in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/algeria-two-ex-prime-ministers-jailed-two-days-before-election-267458">Algeria</a> on Thursday for a delayed presidential election that is opposed by a mass protest movement that wants the vote put off until the entire ruling elite steps down and the military quits politics.

The army, the strongest political player, sees the vote as the only way to restore order in Africa's largest country, a major natural gas supplier to Europe and home to 40 million people.

Early in the morning, it was quiet at one central Algiers polling station, though police were patrolling the city's streets on foot and in vehicles.

"The country has entered a critical phase," said Aziz Djibali, 56, who went to vote at a polling station near the prime minister's office.

"It's time for Algerians to voice their opinions peacefully."

However, demonstrators at the huge protests that have roiled Algiers and other major cities for almost 10 months have sworn they will boycott Thursday's vote, which they see as a charade designed to keep the existing ruling elite in place.

The five men on the ballot are all former senior officials, including two former prime ministers and two former government ministers, who, protesters believe, are unlikely to challenge the army's political primacy.

Protests helped oust veteran president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/algeria-prosecutor-seeks-heavy-sentences-against-ex-politicians-charged-with-corruption-267017">Abdelaziz Bouteflika</a> in April and forced the authorities to twice delay an election previously scheduled for April and July.

However, powerful army chief Lieutenant General Ahmed Gaed Salah has insisted the vote now go ahead as the only way to restore legitimacy to the government and end the standoff between protesters and the state.

Polls opened in Algeria on Thursday for a delayed presidential election that is opposed by a mass protest movement that wants the vote put off until the entire ruling elite steps down and the military quits politics.

Polls opened in Algeria on Thursday for a delayed presidential election that is opposed by a mass protest movement that wants the vote put off until the entire ruling elite steps down and the military quits politics. The army, the strongest political player, sees the vote as the only way to restore order in Africa's largest country, a major natural gas supplier to Europe and home to 40 million people. Early in the morning, it was quiet at one central Algiers polling station, though police were patrolling the city's streets on foot and in vehicles. "The country has entered a critical phase," said Aziz Djibali, 56, who went to vote at a polling station near the prime minister's office. "It's time for Algerians to voice their opinions peacefully." However, demonstrators at the huge protests that have roiled Algiers and other major cities for almost 10 months have sworn they will boycott Thursday's vote, which they see as a charade designed to keep the existing ruling elite in place. The five men on the ballot are all former senior officials, including two former prime ministers and two former government ministers, who, protesters believe, are unlikely to challenge the army's political primacy. Protests helped oust veteran president Abdelaziz Bouteflika in April and forced the authorities to twice delay an election previously scheduled for April and July. However, powerful army chief Lieutenant General Ahmed Gaed Salah has insisted the vote now go ahead as the only way to restore legitimacy to the government and end the standoff between protesters and the state.

Algeria holds election in defiance of protest movement

Supporters of Azzedine Mihoubi, a former Algerian culture minister who is running for president in December's election, gathered on Wednesday (December 4) for a rally as the corruption trial of senior officials including two former prime ministers began.

'Algeria needs all its children,' says Mihoubi supporters as election looms

Thousands of protesters took to the streets of the Algerian capital on Friday in defiance of a heavy security presence to demand the ouster of the country's army chief.

Demonstrators gathered near the capital's main post office square -- the epicentre of Algeria's protest movement that forced longtime president Abdelaziz Bouteflika to step down in April -- this time calling for the removal of General Ahmed Gaid Salah.

"The people want the fall of Gaid Salah," they chanted, referring to the de facto strongman in post-Bouteflika Algeria.&nbsp;

"Take us all to prison, the people will not stop."

Friday's demonstration marked Algeria's 31st consecutive week of rallies, but protesters faced a heavy deployment of security forces in the city centre and along its main avenues.

The army chief on Wednesday ordered police to block protesters from outside Algiers entering the capital, in a bid to stem the flow of people attending anti-regime rallies.&nbsp;

The tougher line on demonstrations comes after interim president Abdelkader Bensalah on Sunday announced a December 12 date for a presidential election to fill the vacuum left by Bouteflika's departure.

Gaid Salah has led the push for polls by the end of 2019, despite mass protests demanding political reforms and the removal of the former president's loyalists -- including Gaid Salah himself -- before any vote.

'Growing crackdown'

In the runup to the rally, police made several arrests near the square, AFP photographers said.&nbsp;

Police also stopped vehicles on main streets in the capital and an AFP journalist saw officers in plainclothes ask numerous people for identity papers, before some were led off to nearby vans.&nbsp;

A police helicopter hovered above, while security forces stopped cars headed towards the centre from Algiers' southwest entrance.

Activists on social media reported traffic jams stretching "several kilometres" from the entrances of the capital.

Said Salhi, deputy head of the Algerian League for the Defence of Human Rights, condemned the heightened security measures as "illegal".

Demonstrations have officially been banned in Algiers since 2001 but the prohibition had been ignored since rallies started on February 22 against the ailing Bouteflika's bid for a fifth presidential term.

Presidential polls originally planned for July 4 were postponed due to a lack of viable candidates, plunging the country into a constitutional crisis as Bensalah's 90-day mandate expired the same month.&nbsp;

The army's high command has rejected any solution to the crisis other than presidential elections "in the shortest possible time".

On Thursday, Amnesty International slammed the "growing crackdown that has seen dozens of protesters arrested over the past 10 days".

Heba Morayef, the rights group's Middle East and North Africa head, said the "resumption of sweeping arbitrary arrests... is a clear indication that the right to freedom of assembly and expression in Algeria is still very much under threat".

That statement came the same day as former state TV journalist Fodil Boumala was reportedly arrested.

Boumala, a leading figure in the protests, was detained on accusations of "undermining national unity", and a court on Thursday ordered his pre-trial detention, his lawyer Abdelghani Badi said on Facebook.&nbsp;

He was the third protest movement figure to be detained within a week, following Karim Tabbou late last week and Samir Benlarbi on Tuesday.

Thousands of protesters took to the streets of the Algerian capital on Friday in defiance of a heavy security presence to demand the ouster of the country's army chief.

Thousands of protesters took to the streets of the Algerian capital on Friday in defiance of a heavy security presence to demand the ouster of the country's army chief. Demonstrators gathered near the capital's main post office square -- the epicentre of Algeria's protest movement that forced longtime president Abdelaziz Bouteflika to step down in April -- this time calling for the removal of General Ahmed Gaid Salah. "The people want the fall of Gaid Salah," they chanted, referring to the de facto strongman in post-Bouteflika Algeria. "Take us all to prison, the people will not stop." Friday's demonstration marked Algeria's 31st consecutive week of rallies, but protesters faced a heavy deployment of security forces in the city centre and along its main avenues. The army chief on Wednesday ordered police to block protesters from outside Algiers entering the capital, in a bid to stem the flow of people attending anti-regime rallies. The tougher line on demonstrations comes after interim president Abdelkader Bensalah on Sunday announced a December 12 date for a presidential election to fill the vacuum left by Bouteflika's departure. Gaid Salah has led the push for polls by the end of 2019, despite mass protests demanding political reforms and the removal of the former president's loyalists -- including Gaid Salah himself -- before any vote. 'Growing crackdown' In the runup to the rally, police made several arrests near the square, AFP photographers said. Police also stopped vehicles on main streets in the capital and an AFP journalist saw officers in plainclothes ask numerous people for identity papers, before some were led off to nearby vans. A police helicopter hovered above, while security forces stopped cars headed towards the centre from Algiers' southwest entrance. Activists on social media reported traffic jams stretching "several kilometres" from the entrances of the capital. Said Salhi, deputy head of the Algerian League for the Defence of Human Rights, condemned the heightened security measures as "illegal". Demonstrations have officially been banned in Algiers since 2001 but the prohibition had been ignored since rallies started on February 22 against the ailing Bouteflika's bid for a fifth presidential term. Presidential polls originally planned for July 4 were postponed due to a lack of viable candidates, plunging the country into a constitutional crisis as Bensalah's 90-day mandate expired the same month. The army's high command has rejected any solution to the crisis other than presidential elections "in the shortest possible time". On Thursday, Amnesty International slammed the "growing crackdown that has seen dozens of protesters arrested over the past 10 days". Heba Morayef, the rights group's Middle East and North Africa head, said the "resumption of sweeping arbitrary arrests... is a clear indication that the right to freedom of assembly and expression in Algeria is still very much under threat". That statement came the same day as former state TV journalist Fodil Boumala was reportedly arrested. Boumala, a leading figure in the protests, was detained on accusations of "undermining national unity", and a court on Thursday ordered his pre-trial detention, his lawyer Abdelghani Badi said on Facebook. He was the third protest movement figure to be detained within a week, following Karim Tabbou late last week and Samir Benlarbi on Tuesday.

Thousands protest in Algiers despite tight security

Former Algerian prime minister Ahmed Ouyahia was questioned on Tuesday in a widening investigation into alleged corruption in the inner circle of ousted president Abdelaziz Bouteflika, state television reported.

Private television channels broadcast footage of the unpopular Ouyahia arriving at the courthouse in the centre of the capital Algiers.

"Take Ouyahia to El Harrach," the prison where five businessmen have been detained since early April on corruption charges, dozens of demonstrators gathered outside chanted.

"They should all go, they should all be held to account," read banners carried by the protesters, as anti-riot police were deployed in strength to guard the court.

Ouyahia is the latest prominent figure to be caught up in the widening fraud probe launched by prosecutors since the ailing Bouteflika was forced to step down on April 3 following weeks of mass protests.

Finance Minister Mohamed Loukal, a former central bank governor, was questioned at the same Algiers court on Monday over suspicions of the "squandering" of public funds.

Ouyahia and Loukal were both summoned on April 20 for questioning by prosecutors.

Ouyahia served four times as prime minister from 1995, three of them during Bouteflika's two-decade rule.

He was finally abandoned by his longtime master on March 11 in a last-ditch bid to hang on to power.

Loukal was appointed finance minister at the end of March after Bouteflika named interior minister Noureddine Bedoui to replace Ouyahia as prime minister.

'Settling internal scores'

Former police chief Abdelghani Hamel was also questioned separately on Monday as part of a judicial inquiry into alleged bribery, state media said.

Hamel -- once tipped as Bouteflika's successor before he was fired by the veteran leader in June last year -- appeared in a court in Tipaza, west of Algiers, before being released, the official APS news agency said.

Since Bouteflika's ouster, investigators have cracked down on alleged graft, zeroing in on the activities of prominent politicians and businessmen following two decades of cronyism under the veteran president.

High-profile figures targeted in the past week include the North African country's richest man, Issad Rebrab, who was reportedly detained on allegations of false customs declarations.

The head of the vast state oil firm Sonatrach, Abdelmoumen Ould Kaddour, has been fired and replaced on the orders of interim president Abdelkader Bensalah.

Four brothers from the influential Kouninef family, close to Bouteflika's brother Said, have been arrested over alleged non-compliance with state contracts, according to official media.

After pushing Bouteflika to quit with mass demonstrations launched on February 22, protesters have kept up their rallies, calling for a complete overhaul of Algeria's political system, improved living standards and the eradication of corruption.

The International Crisis Group think-tank last week expressed scepticism about Algeria's anti-corruption drive, charging that the regime was using it to "settle internal scores".

Algeria ranks 105 out of 180 on Transparency International's 2018 corruption perceptions index.

On Tuesday, it was the turn of thousands of students to hold protest marches through central Algiers and several other cities.

Former Algerian prime minister Ahmed Ouyahia was questioned on Tuesday in a widening investigation into alleged corruption in the inner circle of ousted president Abdelaziz Bouteflika, state television reported.

Former Algerian prime minister Ahmed Ouyahia was questioned on Tuesday in a widening investigation into alleged corruption in the inner circle of ousted president Abdelaziz Bouteflika, state television reported. Private television channels broadcast footage of the unpopular Ouyahia arriving at the courthouse in the centre of the capital Algiers. "Take Ouyahia to El Harrach," the prison where five businessmen have been detained since early April on corruption charges, dozens of demonstrators gathered outside chanted. "They should all go, they should all be held to account," read banners carried by the protesters, as anti-riot police were deployed in strength to guard the court. Ouyahia is the latest prominent figure to be caught up in the widening fraud probe launched by prosecutors since the ailing Bouteflika was forced to step down on April 3 following weeks of mass protests. Finance Minister Mohamed Loukal, a former central bank governor, was questioned at the same Algiers court on Monday over suspicions of the "squandering" of public funds. Ouyahia and Loukal were both summoned on April 20 for questioning by prosecutors. Ouyahia served four times as prime minister from 1995, three of them during Bouteflika's two-decade rule. He was finally abandoned by his longtime master on March 11 in a last-ditch bid to hang on to power. Loukal was appointed finance minister at the end of March after Bouteflika named interior minister Noureddine Bedoui to replace Ouyahia as prime minister. 'Settling internal scores' Former police chief Abdelghani Hamel was also questioned separately on Monday as part of a judicial inquiry into alleged bribery, state media said. Hamel -- once tipped as Bouteflika's successor before he was fired by the veteran leader in June last year -- appeared in a court in Tipaza, west of Algiers, before being released, the official APS news agency said. Since Bouteflika's ouster, investigators have cracked down on alleged graft, zeroing in on the activities of prominent politicians and businessmen following two decades of cronyism under the veteran president. High-profile figures targeted in the past week include the North African country's richest man, Issad Rebrab, who was reportedly detained on allegations of false customs declarations. The head of the vast state oil firm Sonatrach, Abdelmoumen Ould Kaddour, has been fired and replaced on the orders of interim president Abdelkader Bensalah. Four brothers from the influential Kouninef family, close to Bouteflika's brother Said, have been arrested over alleged non-compliance with state contracts, according to official media. After pushing Bouteflika to quit with mass demonstrations launched on February 22, protesters have kept up their rallies, calling for a complete overhaul of Algeria's political system, improved living standards and the eradication of corruption. The International Crisis Group think-tank last week expressed scepticism about Algeria's anti-corruption drive, charging that the regime was using it to "settle internal scores". Algeria ranks 105 out of 180 on Transparency International's 2018 corruption perceptions index. On Tuesday, it was the turn of thousands of students to hold protest marches through central Algiers and several other cities.

Algeria ex-PM questioned in widening probe into longtime elite

A former Algerian police chief once considered a pillar of the regime of ousted president Abdelaziz Bouteflika has been summoned for questioning about allegations of corruption, state media said Sunday.

Since Bouteflika resigned in early April after weeks of mass protests against his rule, several regime officials and businessmen who were close to him have been sacked or detained over alleged graft.

General Abdelghani Hamel, the former police chief once tipped as Bouteflika's successor before he was fired by the veteran leader in June 2018, is due to appear in court Monday with one of his sons, state radio said.

They are expected to be questioned as part of a judicial inquiry into "illegal activity, bribery, embezzlement of funds and abuse of power," according to state television.

Since Bouteflika's ouster investigators have cracked down on alleged graft, zeroing in on the activities of prominent politicians and businessmen as they try to clear away two decades of cronyism under the former president.

High-profile figures who were targeted over the past week include the North African country's richest man, Issad Rebrab, who was detained Monday on allegations of false customs declarations.

The head of the vast state oil firm Sonatrach, Abdelmoumen Ould Kaddour, was fired and replaced on the orders of interim president Abdelkader Bensalah.

Four brothers from the influential Kouninef family, close to Bouteflika's brother Said, were also arrested last Sunday over alleged non-compliance with state contracts, according to state media.

A magistrate has also summoned for questioning Finance Minister Mohamed Loukal and former prime minister Ahmed Ouyahia in connection with alleged misuse of public funds.

Late last month top Algerian businessman and Bouteflika backer Ali Haddad was arrested as he tried to cross the border into Tunisia with two passports and undeclared currency.

A former Algerian police chief once considered a pillar of the regime of ousted president Abdelaziz Bouteflika has been summoned for questioning about allegations of corruption, state media said Sunday.

A former Algerian police chief once considered a pillar of the regime of ousted president Abdelaziz Bouteflika has been summoned for questioning about allegations of corruption, state media said Sunday. Since Bouteflika resigned in early April after weeks of mass protests against his rule, several regime officials and businessmen who were close to him have been sacked or detained over alleged graft. General Abdelghani Hamel, the former police chief once tipped as Bouteflika's successor before he was fired by the veteran leader in June 2018, is due to appear in court Monday with one of his sons, state radio said. They are expected to be questioned as part of a judicial inquiry into "illegal activity, bribery, embezzlement of funds and abuse of power," according to state television. Since Bouteflika's ouster investigators have cracked down on alleged graft, zeroing in on the activities of prominent politicians and businessmen as they try to clear away two decades of cronyism under the former president. High-profile figures who were targeted over the past week include the North African country's richest man, Issad Rebrab, who was detained Monday on allegations of false customs declarations. The head of the vast state oil firm Sonatrach, Abdelmoumen Ould Kaddour, was fired and replaced on the orders of interim president Abdelkader Bensalah. Four brothers from the influential Kouninef family, close to Bouteflika's brother Said, were also arrested last Sunday over alleged non-compliance with state contracts, according to state media. A magistrate has also summoned for questioning Finance Minister Mohamed Loukal and former prime minister Ahmed Ouyahia in connection with alleged misuse of public funds. Late last month top Algerian businessman and Bouteflika backer Ali Haddad was arrested as he tried to cross the border into Tunisia with two passports and undeclared currency.

Algeria's ex-police chief to face graft probe

Thousands of protesters demanding the departure of Algeria`s ruling elite rallied in Algiers for a tenth Friday.

President Abdelaziz <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/algeria-president-abdelaziz-bouteflika-submits-resignation-with-immediate-effect-207621">Bouteflika stepped down after 20 years</a> in power this month, bowing to pressure from the army and weeks of demonstrations mainly by young people seeking change.

"The system must go" and "We are fed up with you," read banners held up by protesters in central Algiers.

The protests, which began on February&nbsp;22 and have been largely peaceful, have continued as many want the removal of an elite that has governed Algeria since independence from France in 1962 and the prosecution of people they see as corrupt.

Bouteflika has been replaced by Abdelkader Bensalah, head of the upper house of parliament, as interim president for 90 days until a presidential election on July 4.

Algeria’s wealthiest businessman and four other billionaires close to Bouteflika were arrested this week as part of an anti-graft investigation, state media said.

Algeria’s army chief Lieutenant-General Ahmed Gaed Salah has said he expected members of the ruling elite to be prosecuted for corruption.

Salah intervened when Bouteflika sought to extend his fourth term, declaring him unfit for office in a bid to avoid prolonged turmoil.

Thousands of protesters demanding the departure of Algeria`s ruling elite rallied in Algiers for a tenth Friday. President Abdelaziz Bouteflika stepped down after 20 years in power this month, bowing to pressure from the army and weeks of demonstrations mainly by young people seeking change.

Thousands of protesters demanding the departure of Algeria`s ruling elite rallied in Algiers for a tenth Friday. President Abdelaziz Bouteflika stepped down after 20 years in power this month, bowing to pressure from the army and weeks of demonstrations mainly by young people seeking change. "The system must go" and "We are fed up with you," read banners held up by protesters in central Algiers. The protests, which began on February 22 and have been largely peaceful, have continued as many want the removal of an elite that has governed Algeria since independence from France in 1962 and the prosecution of people they see as corrupt. Bouteflika has been replaced by Abdelkader Bensalah, head of the upper house of parliament, as interim president for 90 days until a presidential election on July 4. Algeria’s wealthiest businessman and four other billionaires close to Bouteflika were arrested this week as part of an anti-graft investigation, state media said. Algeria’s army chief Lieutenant-General Ahmed Gaed Salah has said he expected members of the ruling elite to be prosecuted for corruption. Salah intervened when Bouteflika sought to extend his fourth term, declaring him unfit for office in a bid to avoid prolonged turmoil.

Thousands protest against Algeria's ruling elite

Algeria's parliament appointed its upper house chairman Abdelkader Bensalah as interim president on Tuesday (April 9) following the resignation of ailing Abdelaziz Bouteflika after weeks of mass demonstrations against his rule.

Police blast demonstators with water cannon in Algeria

Timeline of events rocking Algeria

Algeria MPs on Tuesday announced speaker Abdelkader Bensalah as interim president, State media reported.

The move by parliament follows constitutional rules but goes against the demands of demonstrators, who have pushed for Bensalah to stand down.

Bensalah will remain as interim president until new elections are held, as per Algerian constitution.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/algeria-president-abdelaziz-bouteflika-submits-resignation-with-immediate-effect-207621">Algeria's ex-president Abdelaziz Bouteflika resigned</a> on March 2 amid the protests.

The country celebrated the leader's step down by cheering and waving the national flag at Grand Post square, the epicentre of the protest against his rule in downtown Algiers.

Few days after the resignation Algerians gathered for a fresh protest demanding Bouteflika's allies to quit too.

Opponents said that Abdelkader Bensalah, Tayeb Belaiz and Prime Minister Noureddine Bedoui should follow the lead of Bouteflika and resign.

(With inputs from AFP)

Algeria MPs on Tuesday announced speaker Abdelkader Bensalah as interim president, State media reported. The move by parliament follows constitutional rules but goes against the demands of demonstrators, who have pushed for Bensalah to stand down.

Algeria MPs on Tuesday announced speaker Abdelkader Bensalah as interim president, State media reported. The move by parliament follows constitutional rules but goes against the demands of demonstrators, who have pushed for Bensalah to stand down. Bensalah will remain as interim president until new elections are held, as per Algerian constitution. Algeria's ex-president Abdelaziz Bouteflika resigned on March 2 amid the protests. The country celebrated the leader's step down by cheering and waving the national flag at Grand Post square, the epicentre of the protest against his rule in downtown Algiers. Few days after the resignation Algerians gathered for a fresh protest demanding Bouteflika's allies to quit too. Opponents said that Abdelkader Bensalah, Tayeb Belaiz and Prime Minister Noureddine Bedoui should follow the lead of Bouteflika and resign. (With inputs from AFP)

Algeria MPs name speaker Abdelkader Bensalah as interim president: Report

Two days after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/algeria-president-abdelaziz-bouteflika-submits-resignation-with-immediate-effect-207621">Algeria's President Abdelaziz Bouteflika resigned</a>, Algerians again gathers for mass protests on Friday targeting Abdelkader Bensalah, Tayeb Belaiz and Prime Minister Noureddine Bedoui.

Protestors took to social media calling for ''joyful demonstrations'' to bring down the dictatorial regime. Opponents called for a massive turnout.

"Bouteflika leaving means nothing if his men continue to run the country," Said Wafi, a bank worker from the nearby city of Boumerdes said.

Samir Ouzine, 19, a student said, "Bouteflika was very sick. He wasn't really governing, and nothing will change if he alone leaves and his men stay."

Opponents said that all three should follow the lead of Bouteflika and resign.

Hours before the rally was set to begin, several hundred demonstrators had already gathered outside the main post office in central Algiers, which has been the epicentre of the protest movement.

Few people shouted "we will not forgive'' in a reply to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bouteflika-apologises-to-algerians-in-farewell-letter-state-media-207794">Bouteflika's letter which was issued after his resignation</a>. He apologised to the Algerian people for the mistake he made.

Two days after Algeria's President Abdelaziz Bouteflika resigned, Algerians again gathers for mass protests on Friday targeting Abdelkader Bensalah, Tayeb Belaiz and Prime Minister Noureddine Bedoui.

Two days after Algeria's President Abdelaziz Bouteflika resigned, Algerians again gathers for mass protests on Friday targeting Abdelkader Bensalah, Tayeb Belaiz and Prime Minister Noureddine Bedoui. Protestors took to social media calling for ''joyful demonstrations'' to bring down the dictatorial regime. Opponents called for a massive turnout. "Bouteflika leaving means nothing if his men continue to run the country," Said Wafi, a bank worker from the nearby city of Boumerdes said. Samir Ouzine, 19, a student said, "Bouteflika was very sick. He wasn't really governing, and nothing will change if he alone leaves and his men stay." Opponents said that all three should follow the lead of Bouteflika and resign. Hours before the rally was set to begin, several hundred demonstrators had already gathered outside the main post office in central Algiers, which has been the epicentre of the protest movement. Few people shouted "we will not forgive'' in a reply to Bouteflika's letter which was issued after his resignation. He apologised to the Algerian people for the mistake he made.

Algerians hold protests for Bouteflika allies to quit too

Protest-hit <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/algerias-bouteflika-announces-new-government-207088">Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika</a> resigned on Tuesday, state media reported. He submitted his resignation with immediate effect.

Bouteflika "officially advised the Constitutional Council of the end of his term of office as President of the Republic", state television reported.

"I have the honour to formally notify you of my decision to terminate my term of office as President of the Republic from today, Tuesday," state news agency APS quoted his resignation letter as saying.

"This decision which I take in my soul and conscience is destined to contribute to the appeasement of the hearts and minds of my compatriots, to allow them to take Algeria towards a better future to which they legitimately aspire," it added.

The resignation comes shortly after the military demanded impeachment proceedings be launched against Bouteflika.

The country celebrated the leader's step down by cheering and waving the national flag at Grand Post square, the epicentre of the protest against his rule in downtown Algiers.

Now the speaker of Algeria's upper house of parliament Abdelkader Bensalah would act as an interim leader for up to 90 days during which a presidential election must be organised.

(With inputs from AFP)

Protest-hit Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika resigned on Tuesday, state media reported. He submitted his resignation with immediate effect. Bouteflika "officially advised the Constitutional Council of the end of his term of office as President of the Republic", state television reported.

Protest-hit Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika resigned on Tuesday, state media reported. He submitted his resignation with immediate effect. Bouteflika "officially advised the Constitutional Council of the end of his term of office as President of the Republic", state television reported. "I have the honour to formally notify you of my decision to terminate my term of office as President of the Republic from today, Tuesday," state news agency APS quoted his resignation letter as saying. "This decision which I take in my soul and conscience is destined to contribute to the appeasement of the hearts and minds of my compatriots, to allow them to take Algeria towards a better future to which they legitimately aspire," it added. The resignation comes shortly after the military demanded impeachment proceedings be launched against Bouteflika. The country celebrated the leader's step down by cheering and waving the national flag at Grand Post square, the epicentre of the protest against his rule in downtown Algiers. Now the speaker of Algeria's upper house of parliament Abdelkader Bensalah would act as an interim leader for up to 90 days during which a presidential election must be organised. (With inputs from AFP)

Algeria President Bouteflika submits resignation with immediate effect

The Kremlin on Wednesday said it hoped for a transition of power in Algeria without foreign "interference" after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/algeria-president-abdelaziz-bouteflika-submits-resignation-with-immediate-effect-207621">President Abdelaziz Bouteflika resigned</a> in the face of massive street protests.&nbsp;

"We expect that the internal processes that are happening in this country and are exclusively the internal affair of Algeria will take place without the interference of any third countries," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.

He added that Russia has "mutually beneficial, friendly relations" with Algeria and that the two countries share "many joint projects in the economic sphere."&nbsp;

Russia is an ally of the north African state to which it supplies weapons.&nbsp;

Bouteflika, 82, had ruled the former French colony for two decades and had long been accused of clinging to power.&nbsp;

The veteran leader faced mounting pressure to step down following his decision to seek a fifth term, despite rarely being seen in public since suffering a stroke in 2013.

His decision to stand aside was announced on state television late Tuesday. 
&nbsp;

The Kremlin on Wednesday said it hoped for a transition of power in Algeria without foreign "interference" after President Abdelaziz Bouteflika resigned in the face of massive street protests.

The Kremlin on Wednesday said it hoped for a transition of power in Algeria without foreign "interference" after President Abdelaziz Bouteflika resigned in the face of massive street protests. "We expect that the internal processes that are happening in this country and are exclusively the internal affair of Algeria will take place without the interference of any third countries," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. He added that Russia has "mutually beneficial, friendly relations" with Algeria and that the two countries share "many joint projects in the economic sphere." Russia is an ally of the north African state to which it supplies weapons. Bouteflika, 82, had ruled the former French colony for two decades and had long been accused of clinging to power. The veteran leader faced mounting pressure to step down following his decision to seek a fifth term, despite rarely being seen in public since suffering a stroke in 2013. His decision to stand aside was announced on state television late Tuesday.

Kremlin urges no foreign 'interference' in Algeria

Protest-hit <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/algerias-bouteflika-announces-new-government-207088">Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika</a> will resign before his mandate expires on April 28.

Bouteflika will resign "before April 28, 2019", after "important decisions" are taken, the presidency said in a statement on Monday, without elaborating.&nbsp;

The news comes after Bouteflika on Sunday named a new government which will be headed by Noureddine Bedoui.

Local state media reported that that armed forces chief Ahmed Gaid Salah, who has called for Bouteflika to step down, remained as deputy defence minister.

Ailing Bouteflika, who has rarely been seen in public since a 2013 stroke, has come under mounting pressure to quit power since his decision to seek a fifth term sparked huge demonstrations.

The 82-year-old said last month that he would not run for president and postponed April elections. Since then, Algeria has been rocked by many protests.

Once the president resigns, then the speaker of Algeria's upper house of parliament Abdelkader Bensalah would act as an interim leader for up to 90 days during which a presidential election must be organised.

(With inputs from AFP)

Protest-hit Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika will resign before his mandate expires on April 28. Bouteflika will resign "before April 28, 2019", after "important decisions" are taken, the presidency said in a statement on Monday, without elaborating.

Protest-hit Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika will resign before his mandate expires on April 28. Bouteflika will resign "before April 28, 2019", after "important decisions" are taken, the presidency said in a statement on Monday, without elaborating. The news comes after Bouteflika on Sunday named a new government which will be headed by Noureddine Bedoui. Local state media reported that that armed forces chief Ahmed Gaid Salah, who has called for Bouteflika to step down, remained as deputy defence minister. Ailing Bouteflika, who has rarely been seen in public since a 2013 stroke, has come under mounting pressure to quit power since his decision to seek a fifth term sparked huge demonstrations. The 82-year-old said last month that he would not run for president and postponed April elections. Since then, Algeria has been rocked by many protests. Once the president resigns, then the speaker of Algeria's upper house of parliament Abdelkader Bensalah would act as an interim leader for up to 90 days during which a presidential election must be organised. (With inputs from AFP)

Algeria's President Abdelaziz Bouteflika to resign 'before mandate ends'

Algeria's president might resign this week

Protest-hit Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika on Sunday named a new government headed by recently appointed Noureddine Bedoui, a statement from the presidency said.&nbsp;

State television reported that armed forces chief Ahmed Gaid Salah, who has called for Bouteflika to step down, remained as deputy defence minister.

Veteran politician Ramtane Lamamra, who was appointed deputy prime minister and foreign minister on March 11, was not named in the new administration.

Ailing Bouteflika, who has rarely been seen in public since a 2013 stroke, has come under mounting pressure to quit power since his decision to seek a fifth term sparked huge demonstrations.

Bouteflika said earlier this month he would pull out of the race and postponed April elections, in moves that angered Algerians who see it as a ploy to extend his two decades in power.

Faced with persistent public anger, a succession of veteran Bouteflika loyalists have deserted the president in recent days.

On Tuesday, chief of staff Gaid Salah, who was appointed in 2004, called for him to step down or be declared medically unfit.

The chief of staff cited Article 102 of the constitution, under which a president can be removed if found unfit to rule.

Long a faithful Bouteflika supporter, Gaid Salah said on television it was "imperative" to find a way out of the crisis "which respond to the legitimate demands" of the people in line with the constitution.

Despite the calls, huge crowds thronged the streets of Algeria's capital on Friday for a sixth successive week, saying the moves by his key allies to abandon Bouteflika were not enough.&nbsp;

Protest-hit Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika on Sunday named a new government headed by recently appointed Noureddine Bedoui, a statement from the presidency said.

Protest-hit Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika on Sunday named a new government headed by recently appointed Noureddine Bedoui, a statement from the presidency said. State television reported that armed forces chief Ahmed Gaid Salah, who has called for Bouteflika to step down, remained as deputy defence minister. Veteran politician Ramtane Lamamra, who was appointed deputy prime minister and foreign minister on March 11, was not named in the new administration. Ailing Bouteflika, who has rarely been seen in public since a 2013 stroke, has come under mounting pressure to quit power since his decision to seek a fifth term sparked huge demonstrations. Bouteflika said earlier this month he would pull out of the race and postponed April elections, in moves that angered Algerians who see it as a ploy to extend his two decades in power. Faced with persistent public anger, a succession of veteran Bouteflika loyalists have deserted the president in recent days. On Tuesday, chief of staff Gaid Salah, who was appointed in 2004, called for him to step down or be declared medically unfit. The chief of staff cited Article 102 of the constitution, under which a president can be removed if found unfit to rule. Long a faithful Bouteflika supporter, Gaid Salah said on television it was "imperative" to find a way out of the crisis "which respond to the legitimate demands" of the people in line with the constitution. Despite the calls, huge crowds thronged the streets of Algeria's capital on Friday for a sixth successive week, saying the moves by his key allies to abandon Bouteflika were not enough.

Algeria's Bouteflika announces new government

Thousands of students, university professors and health workers rallied in Algiers on Tuesday calling for<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/algerias-biggest-protest-demand-president-bouteflikas-quit-203635"> President Abdelaziz Bouteflika to quit</a>, and a new group headed by activists and opposition figures told the army not to interfere.

In the first direct public message to the generals from leaders emerging from nearly a month of mass protests against Bouteflika, the National Coordination for Change said the military should "play its constitutional role without interfering in the people's choice".

Bouteflika, who has ruled for 20 years, bowed to the protesters last week by announcing he would not stand for another term. But he stopped short of stepping down and said he would stay in office until a new constitution is adopted, effectively extending his present term.

His moves have done nothing to halt demonstrations, which peaked on Friday with hundreds of thousands of protesters on the streets of Algiers and have continued into this week.

"We will not stop our pressure until he (Bouteflika) goes," said student Ali Adjimi, 23. "The people want you to leave", read a banner. Others shouted "the people and the army are one."

The 82-year-old president has rarely been seen in public since suffering a stroke in 2013, and protesters say he is too old and frail to rule.

"We are fed up with this system. It must disappear forever," said Djilali Bahi, a doctor at Tuesday's demonstration.

Army 'responsibility'

So far, soldiers have stayed in their barracks during the protests. But on Monday, Chief of Staff Lieutenant-General Ahmed Gaed Salah hinted at a more active role, saying the army should take responsibility for finding a quick solution to the crisis.

Generals have traditionally wielded power behind the scenes in Algeria but have publicly intervened during pivotal moments, including cancelling an election in the early 1990s that Islamists were poised to win, triggering a decade of civil war.

The protest leaders issued their statement titled "Platform of Change" late on Monday, demanding Bouteflika step down when his term ends on April 28 and the government resign immediately.

"We belong to the people so we are against extending Bouteflika’s fourth term," said Mohamed Yousfi, head of one of the doctors unions.

Bouteflika's newly appointed deputy prime minister, Ramtane Lamamra, has launched a tour of allied countries seeking support. He visited Moscow on Tuesday, where Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Russia, a close military ally of Algeria, was concerned about attempts to destabilise the situation.

Lamamra defended the government's reform proposals. Bouteflika has agreed to hand over power to an elected president, and the opposition will be allowed to take part in the cabinet that will oversee elections, he said.

Powerful brother

For years, rumours have swirled about potential successors to Bouteflika, but no one credible has emerged who has the backing of the army and elite and is not in their 70s or 80s.

Protesters have been calling for a generation of new leaders to replace a ruling elite dominated by the military, businessmen and veterans of the 1954-1962 independence war against France.

In their statement, the protest leaders made veiled references to two figures: Bouteflika's powerful younger brother Said, and the president's friend Lakhdar Brahimi, a veteran Algerian U.N. diplomat named by Bouteflika to chair a conference to develop a new political landscape.

"The Algerian people will not accept any approach that will tend to extend the current system, whether from the 'brother' entourage or the 'friend'," the protest leaders said.

Algerian authorities have long been adept at manipulating a weak and disorganised opposition. But the mass demonstrations have emboldened well-known figures to lead the reform drive.

Prominent members of the new group include lawyer and activist Mustapha Bouchachi, opposition leader Karim Tabou and former treasury minister Ali Benouari.

They also include Mourad Dhina and Kamel Guemazi, former members of the banned Islamic Salvation Front (FIS), the Islamist party whose annulled election victory led to the 1990s insurgency. A possible role for Islamists in any future government is one of the issues that could divide the public and potentially provoke the military to intervene.

Hardline Islamists have largely been excluded from public life since the war. More moderate Islamist groups are active but ideologically divided.

Zoubida Assoul, leader of a small political party, is the only woman in the group so far.

"Bouteflika just trampled on the constitution after he decided to extend his fourth term," said the National Coordination for Change.

With memories of the 1990s civil war which cost an estimated 200,000 lives, many Algerians have long prioritised stability.

Bouteflika survived the 2011 "Arab Spring" that toppled other Arab leaders. But with the economy souring and the youth less fearful of change, he has struggled to placate Algerians.

Thousands of students, university professors and health workers rallied in Algiers on Tuesday calling for President Abdelaziz Bouteflika to quit, and a new group headed by activists and opposition figures told the army not to interfere.

Thousands of students, university professors and health workers rallied in Algiers on Tuesday calling for President Abdelaziz Bouteflika to quit, and a new group headed by activists and opposition figures told the army not to interfere. In the first direct public message to the generals from leaders emerging from nearly a month of mass protests against Bouteflika, the National Coordination for Change said the military should "play its constitutional role without interfering in the people's choice". Bouteflika, who has ruled for 20 years, bowed to the protesters last week by announcing he would not stand for another term. But he stopped short of stepping down and said he would stay in office until a new constitution is adopted, effectively extending his present term. His moves have done nothing to halt demonstrations, which peaked on Friday with hundreds of thousands of protesters on the streets of Algiers and have continued into this week. "We will not stop our pressure until he (Bouteflika) goes," said student Ali Adjimi, 23. "The people want you to leave", read a banner. Others shouted "the people and the army are one." The 82-year-old president has rarely been seen in public since suffering a stroke in 2013, and protesters say he is too old and frail to rule. "We are fed up with this system. It must disappear forever," said Djilali Bahi, a doctor at Tuesday's demonstration. Army 'responsibility' So far, soldiers have stayed in their barracks during the protests. But on Monday, Chief of Staff Lieutenant-General Ahmed Gaed Salah hinted at a more active role, saying the army should take responsibility for finding a quick solution to the crisis. Generals have traditionally wielded power behind the scenes in Algeria but have publicly intervened during pivotal moments, including cancelling an election in the early 1990s that Islamists were poised to win, triggering a decade of civil war. The protest leaders issued their statement titled "Platform of Change" late on Monday, demanding Bouteflika step down when his term ends on April 28 and the government resign immediately. "We belong to the people so we are against extending Bouteflika’s fourth term," said Mohamed Yousfi, head of one of the doctors unions. Bouteflika's newly appointed deputy prime minister, Ramtane Lamamra, has launched a tour of allied countries seeking support. He visited Moscow on Tuesday, where Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Russia, a close military ally of Algeria, was concerned about attempts to destabilise the situation. Lamamra defended the government's reform proposals. Bouteflika has agreed to hand over power to an elected president, and the opposition will be allowed to take part in the cabinet that will oversee elections, he said. Powerful brother For years, rumours have swirled about potential successors to Bouteflika, but no one credible has emerged who has the backing of the army and elite and is not in their 70s or 80s. Protesters have been calling for a generation of new leaders to replace a ruling elite dominated by the military, businessmen and veterans of the 1954-1962 independence war against France. In their statement, the protest leaders made veiled references to two figures: Bouteflika's powerful younger brother Said, and the president's friend Lakhdar Brahimi, a veteran Algerian U.N. diplomat named by Bouteflika to chair a conference to develop a new political landscape. "The Algerian people will not accept any approach that will tend to extend the current system, whether from the 'brother' entourage or the 'friend'," the protest leaders said. Algerian authorities have long been adept at manipulating a weak and disorganised opposition. But the mass demonstrations have emboldened well-known figures to lead the reform drive. Prominent members of the new group include lawyer and activist Mustapha Bouchachi, opposition leader Karim Tabou and former treasury minister Ali Benouari. They also include Mourad Dhina and Kamel Guemazi, former members of the banned Islamic Salvation Front (FIS), the Islamist party whose annulled election victory led to the 1990s insurgency. A possible role for Islamists in any future government is one of the issues that could divide the public and potentially provoke the military to intervene. Hardline Islamists have largely been excluded from public life since the war. More moderate Islamist groups are active but ideologically divided. Zoubida Assoul, leader of a small political party, is the only woman in the group so far. "Bouteflika just trampled on the constitution after he decided to extend his fourth term," said the National Coordination for Change. With memories of the 1990s civil war which cost an estimated 200,000 lives, many Algerians have long prioritised stability. Bouteflika survived the 2011 "Arab Spring" that toppled other Arab leaders. But with the economy souring and the youth less fearful of change, he has struggled to placate Algerians.

Alegria: Thousands demonstrate in Algiers as protest leaders tell army to stay away

It is paradoxical that while the Arab world cried for democracy during the Arab Spring, the Algerian street was silent. Today the street of Algeria erupted again with a consequence that its incumbent President, Abdelaziz Bouteflika, had to forego his claim for Presidency for a fifth term.

For the past several weeks, thousands of Algerians took to the streets after President Bouteflika announced his decision to run in April’s presidential elections despite his serious health conditions caused by a stroke in 2013. Bouteflika took to power in 1999 after presidential elections in which he was the only running candidate. The outrage among citizens is the result of increasing unemployment, inequality, precarious work conditions, inflation, deteriorating social and economic conditions etc. Among the protestors are mostly youth, teachers, workers, students etc.&nbsp;

The fall of Bouteflika symbolises the continuity of fall of many dictators during Arab Spring: Ben Ali of Tunisia, Hosni Mubarak of Egypt, Muammar Gaddafi Libya, Saleh of Yemen. &nbsp;

Does this mean that eruption of Algerian street is likely to galvanize streets of another Arab world in the direction of democratic reforms? While it’s true that all regimes in the Arab world including the Gulf regimes have learnt the democratic lesson of Arab spring and accordingly introduced some cosmetic democratic reforms in their respective countries. 
 
However, this democratic tokenism is unable to fulfil the aspiration of social media savvy Arab youth. Therefore, in hindsight, it appears that Algerian protests are likely to push qualitative democratic reforms in the Arab countries. However, much will depend on the nature of the crisis of legitimacy of Arab states as well as a decline in the Sunni Shia narratives of conflict in West Asia.&nbsp;

Notwithstanding the uncertainty over democratic transition in view of what is considered a&nbsp;failure of Arab spring, the protesting street of Algeria has expanded the life of “Arab spring” and put a question mark on what is called as “Arab winter”? Algeria since early 1990’s has undergone many ups and downs including the most intense civil war between 1990 and 2001 at the same time it has been one of the most progressive nations of Arab world. Historically, Algeria symbolises the most potent face of anti-imperialism, people’s struggle against the regime and therefore, the current ongoing protest has potential to recenter agenda of equality and democracy not only with Algeria but in the wider Arab world.&nbsp; 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.) 
 
 
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&nbsp;

&nbsp;

It is paradoxical that while the Arab world cried for democracy during the Arab Spring, the Algerian street was silent. Today the street of Algeria erupted again with a consequence that its incumbent President, Abdelaziz Bouteflika, had to forego his claim for Presidency for a fifth term.

It is paradoxical that while the Arab world cried for democracy during the Arab Spring, the Algerian street was silent. Today the street of Algeria erupted again with a consequence that its incumbent President, Abdelaziz Bouteflika, had to forego his claim for Presidency for a fifth term. For the past several weeks, thousands of Algerians took to the streets after President Bouteflika announced his decision to run in April’s presidential elections despite his serious health conditions caused by a stroke in 2013. Bouteflika took to power in 1999 after presidential elections in which he was the only running candidate. The outrage among citizens is the result of increasing unemployment, inequality, precarious work conditions, inflation, deteriorating social and economic conditions etc. Among the protestors are mostly youth, teachers, workers, students etc. The fall of Bouteflika symbolises the continuity of fall of many dictators during Arab Spring: Ben Ali of Tunisia, Hosni Mubarak of Egypt, Muammar Gaddafi Libya, Saleh of Yemen. Does this mean that eruption of Algerian street is likely to galvanize streets of another Arab world in the direction of democratic reforms? While it’s true that all regimes in the Arab world including the Gulf regimes have learnt the democratic lesson of Arab spring and accordingly introduced some cosmetic democratic reforms in their respective countries. However, this democratic tokenism is unable to fulfil the aspiration of social media savvy Arab youth. Therefore, in hindsight, it appears that Algerian protests are likely to push qualitative democratic reforms in the Arab countries. However, much will depend on the nature of the crisis of legitimacy of Arab states as well as a decline in the Sunni Shia narratives of conflict in West Asia. Notwithstanding the uncertainty over democratic transition in view of what is considered a failure of Arab spring, the protesting street of Algeria has expanded the life of “Arab spring” and put a question mark on what is called as “Arab winter”? Algeria since early 1990’s has undergone many ups and downs including the most intense civil war between 1990 and 2001 at the same time it has been one of the most progressive nations of Arab world. Historically, Algeria symbolises the most potent face of anti-imperialism, people’s struggle against the regime and therefore, the current ongoing protest has potential to recenter agenda of equality and democracy not only with Algeria but in the wider Arab world. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Algerian Spring: Will it change the Arab course?

Algeria's new prime minister, Noureddine Bedoui, said on Thursday he would form an inclusive and technocratic government that involved young Algerians who have been staging protests to push for quick political changes.

His promise at a news conference in Algiers comes after ailing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/algerias-president-bouteflika-abandons-re-election-bid-after-weeks-of-protest-202747">President Abdelaziz Bouteflika</a> decided not to run for a fifth term in the face of mass demonstrations. Bedoui was appointed premier on Monday after Ahmed Ouyahia resigned.

The prime minister urged the opposition to accept dialogue. But lawyers and activists who protesters have chosen to lead the drive for reforms are in no mood to compromise and say they will not negotiate, at least for now.

Bouteflika, who has been in power for 20 years and has rarely appeared in public since a stroke in 2013, has promised to work for a new era that would cater to all Algerians.

His offer came after tens of thousands of Algerians staged weeks of protests demanding an overhaul of a stagnant political system dominated by veterans of the 1954-62 war of independence.

Algeria's new prime minister, Noureddine Bedoui, said on Thursday he would form an inclusive and technocratic government that involved young Algerians who have been staging protests to push for quick political changes.

Algeria's new prime minister, Noureddine Bedoui, said on Thursday he would form an inclusive and technocratic government that involved young Algerians who have been staging protests to push for quick political changes. His promise at a news conference in Algiers comes after ailing President Abdelaziz Bouteflika decided not to run for a fifth term in the face of mass demonstrations. Bedoui was appointed premier on Monday after Ahmed Ouyahia resigned. The prime minister urged the opposition to accept dialogue. But lawyers and activists who protesters have chosen to lead the drive for reforms are in no mood to compromise and say they will not negotiate, at least for now. Bouteflika, who has been in power for 20 years and has rarely appeared in public since a stroke in 2013, has promised to work for a new era that would cater to all Algerians. His offer came after tens of thousands of Algerians staged weeks of protests demanding an overhaul of a stagnant political system dominated by veterans of the 1954-62 war of independence.

Algeria PM Noureddine Bedoui says new government will be 'technocratic'