Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, facing mass protests over his 20 years in power, will run in April's elections, his campaign manager said on Sunday, with Ennahar TV saying he had offered to step down after a year if re-elected.

The announcement read out by Abdelghani Zaalane on Bouteflika's behalf said the president pledged to organise an early election, with Ennahar TV saying that would be held within a year.

The comments are likely to be viewed as an attempt to appease those who had taken to the streets for 10 days to protest against the 82-year-old's plans to remain in office and to allow him an exit on his own terms.

But hours after his comments, new anti-government protests broke out late at night in the capital and other cities drawing in thousands, according to witnesses and TV footage.

Several hundreds of mainly young men marched through Algiers' centre where riot police were blocking some roads. The protests appeared to be mostly peaceful.

Bouteflika's statement was his first since protests broke out 10 days ago, the biggest in Algeria since the 2011 Arab Spring uprisings that unseated rulers in neighbouring countries.

In a sign of a disconnect from the mostly young population, almost 70 percent of whom are aged below 30, he communicated via letter, as he has since suffering a stroke in 2013.

Tens of thousands of protesters had been rallying throughout the day in cities around Algeria, calling on Bouteflika not to submit election papers for the April 18 polls, the deadline for which was Sunday.

Zaalane arrived to submit the documents on Sunday evening, but there was no sign of Bouteflika, who Swiss television said remained at a hospital in Geneva.

"I listened and heard the passionate call from the protesters, especially the thousands of young people," Bouteflika wrote, repeating a pledge to hold a referendum on constitutional reform.

There was no immediate response from protesters, who had dispersed by the time the letter was published in the evening.

Just before Bouteflika's announcement, the head of the election commission, Abdelwahab Derbal, said all candidates must submit their candidacy papers in person. If applied, that would mean Bouteflika could not run.

Bouteflika's opponents say he is no longer fit to lead, citing his health and what they call chronic corruption and a lack of economic reforms to tackle high unemployment, which exceeds 25 percent among people under 30.

Analysts say the protesters lack leadership and organisation in a country still dominated by veterans of the 1954-1962 independence war against France, including Bouteflika.

But traditionally weak and divided opposition and civic groups have called for protests to go on should Bouteflika continue to pursue re-election.

The government has played on fears among many Algerians of a return of bloodshed seen in the 1990s, when an estimated 200,000 people were killed after Islamists took up arms when the military cancelled elections they were poised to win.

But the new series of protests has been generally peaceful, apart from scuffles with police on Friday, leaving 183 people injured.

Students gathered in their thousands on Sunday at university faculties, one of them near the Constitutional Council. Students chanted: "No to a fifth term!"

NIGHT PROTESTS

Thousands later marched through the city centre. A diplomatic source estimated that as many as 70,000 people had massed in Algiers, including a rally at Bab Ezzouar university, the country's biggest.

"We will not stop until we get rid of this system," said Aicha, a 23-year-old student, who declined to give her full name.

There were also protests in cities such as Oran, Constantine and Skikda during the day, some cities of which saw new demonstrations at night. Some 6,000 also protested in Paris, where many Algerians live.

By Sunday evening, seven candidates had registered to run against Bouteflika. Opposition groups failed to agree on one candidate, making any campaign an uphill challenge in a country dominated by one party - the FLN - since independence.

Many Algerians eschewed public political activity for years, for fear of trouble from the pervasive security apparatus or out of disillusionment with the lack of change in the leadership.

After the decade-long Islamist insurgency that Bouteflika crushed early in his rule, Algerians generally tolerated a political system leaving little room for dissent as a price to pay for relative peace and stability.

Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, facing mass protests over his 20 years in power, will run in April's elections, his campaign manager said on Sunday, with Ennahar TV saying he had offered to step down after a year if re-elected.

Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, facing mass protests over his 20 years in power, will run in April's elections, his campaign manager said on Sunday, with Ennahar TV saying he had offered to step down after a year if re-elected. The announcement read out by Abdelghani Zaalane on Bouteflika's behalf said the president pledged to organise an early election, with Ennahar TV saying that would be held within a year. The comments are likely to be viewed as an attempt to appease those who had taken to the streets for 10 days to protest against the 82-year-old's plans to remain in office and to allow him an exit on his own terms. But hours after his comments, new anti-government protests broke out late at night in the capital and other cities drawing in thousands, according to witnesses and TV footage. Several hundreds of mainly young men marched through Algiers' centre where riot police were blocking some roads. The protests appeared to be mostly peaceful. Bouteflika's statement was his first since protests broke out 10 days ago, the biggest in Algeria since the 2011 Arab Spring uprisings that unseated rulers in neighbouring countries. In a sign of a disconnect from the mostly young population, almost 70 percent of whom are aged below 30, he communicated via letter, as he has since suffering a stroke in 2013. Tens of thousands of protesters had been rallying throughout the day in cities around Algeria, calling on Bouteflika not to submit election papers for the April 18 polls, the deadline for which was Sunday. Zaalane arrived to submit the documents on Sunday evening, but there was no sign of Bouteflika, who Swiss television said remained at a hospital in Geneva. "I listened and heard the passionate call from the protesters, especially the thousands of young people," Bouteflika wrote, repeating a pledge to hold a referendum on constitutional reform. There was no immediate response from protesters, who had dispersed by the time the letter was published in the evening. Just before Bouteflika's announcement, the head of the election commission, Abdelwahab Derbal, said all candidates must submit their candidacy papers in person. If applied, that would mean Bouteflika could not run. Bouteflika's opponents say he is no longer fit to lead, citing his health and what they call chronic corruption and a lack of economic reforms to tackle high unemployment, which exceeds 25 percent among people under 30. Analysts say the protesters lack leadership and organisation in a country still dominated by veterans of the 1954-1962 independence war against France, including Bouteflika. But traditionally weak and divided opposition and civic groups have called for protests to go on should Bouteflika continue to pursue re-election. The government has played on fears among many Algerians of a return of bloodshed seen in the 1990s, when an estimated 200,000 people were killed after Islamists took up arms when the military cancelled elections they were poised to win. But the new series of protests has been generally peaceful, apart from scuffles with police on Friday, leaving 183 people injured. Students gathered in their thousands on Sunday at university faculties, one of them near the Constitutional Council. Students chanted: "No to a fifth term!" NIGHT PROTESTS Thousands later marched through the city centre. A diplomatic source estimated that as many as 70,000 people had massed in Algiers, including a rally at Bab Ezzouar university, the country's biggest. "We will not stop until we get rid of this system," said Aicha, a 23-year-old student, who declined to give her full name. There were also protests in cities such as Oran, Constantine and Skikda during the day, some cities of which saw new demonstrations at night. Some 6,000 also protested in Paris, where many Algerians live. By Sunday evening, seven candidates had registered to run against Bouteflika. Opposition groups failed to agree on one candidate, making any campaign an uphill challenge in a country dominated by one party - the FLN - since independence. Many Algerians eschewed public political activity for years, for fear of trouble from the pervasive security apparatus or out of disillusionment with the lack of change in the leadership. After the decade-long Islamist insurgency that Bouteflika crushed early in his rule, Algerians generally tolerated a political system leaving little room for dissent as a price to pay for relative peace and stability.

Algerian President Bouteflika offers to leave within one year if re-elected: Report

At least 2,000 demonstrators Sunday gathered in Paris and other French cities to protest Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika's bid to stand for a fifth term in office.

The demonstrations coincide with large-scale rallies in Algeria to denounce the ailing president's bid to hang on to power.

Bouteflika, 82, who uses a wheelchair and has rarely been seen in public since suffering a stroke in 2013, flew to Switzerland a week ago for what his office described as "routine medical checks".

An AFP journalist said hundreds of demonstrators from Algeria's large diaspora were gathered in the Place de la Republique, in central Paris, as they waved their national flag, many shouting, "out, out".&nbsp;

"No to the mandate of shame, 20 years is enough," proclaimed one placard speaking to Bouteflika's intention of standing in the April 18 elections after 20 years in power.

Since gaining independence from France in 1962, "Algeria has been run by the same group of men, the same system," 62-year-old Abderrahmane Hamirouche told AFP.

"Algeria is ruined while it's a country that potentially could be rich. What is there left for future generations?" the IT specialist asked.

Nadia Tamzali, a 62-year-old Franco-Algerian doctor, criticised the country's lack of free speech and dominance by the military.

"They have killed our culture -- nearly all the cinemas have disappeared," she said.

In the southern port city of Marseille, home to large numbers of Algerian immigrants, about 1,000 turned out, many wearing the Algerian flag over their shoulders, an AFP journalist reported.&nbsp;

In the southwestern city of Toulouse, about 100 people carrying placards saying "No to a fifth term" gathered in the centre of town.

"We want the 40 thieves to go. They have gone too far," said a 54-year-old Algerian who gave his name as Asri.

"We aren't opposed to the president, but he is unconscious, he doesn't exist anymore, his generals and those close to him are doing what they will behind his back," said Asri, who has lived in France for 31 years.

At least 2,000 demonstrators Sunday gathered in Paris and other French cities to protest Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika's bid to stand for a fifth term in office.

At least 2,000 demonstrators Sunday gathered in Paris and other French cities to protest Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika's bid to stand for a fifth term in office. The demonstrations coincide with large-scale rallies in Algeria to denounce the ailing president's bid to hang on to power. Bouteflika, 82, who uses a wheelchair and has rarely been seen in public since suffering a stroke in 2013, flew to Switzerland a week ago for what his office described as "routine medical checks". An AFP journalist said hundreds of demonstrators from Algeria's large diaspora were gathered in the Place de la Republique, in central Paris, as they waved their national flag, many shouting, "out, out". "No to the mandate of shame, 20 years is enough," proclaimed one placard speaking to Bouteflika's intention of standing in the April 18 elections after 20 years in power. Since gaining independence from France in 1962, "Algeria has been run by the same group of men, the same system," 62-year-old Abderrahmane Hamirouche told AFP. "Algeria is ruined while it's a country that potentially could be rich. What is there left for future generations?" the IT specialist asked. Nadia Tamzali, a 62-year-old Franco-Algerian doctor, criticised the country's lack of free speech and dominance by the military. "They have killed our culture -- nearly all the cinemas have disappeared," she said. In the southern port city of Marseille, home to large numbers of Algerian immigrants, about 1,000 turned out, many wearing the Algerian flag over their shoulders, an AFP journalist reported. In the southwestern city of Toulouse, about 100 people carrying placards saying "No to a fifth term" gathered in the centre of town. "We want the 40 thieves to go. They have gone too far," said a 54-year-old Algerian who gave his name as Asri. "We aren't opposed to the president, but he is unconscious, he doesn't exist anymore, his generals and those close to him are doing what they will behind his back," said Asri, who has lived in France for 31 years.

At least 2,000 protest Algerian president in France

Algeria's President Abdelaziz Bouteflika sacked his veteran campaign manager Saturday, state media reported, following mass protests against the ailing leader's decision to stand for a fifth term in office.

Former premier Abdelmalek Sellal -- who oversaw Bouteflika's past three successful re-election bids -- was removed just hours ahead of a deadline for election hopefuls to formally submit their candidacy.

Sellal was replaced as campaign manager by Abdelghani Zaalene, the transport minister, APS news agency said, citing Bouteflika's campaign team.

While no reason was given for the decision, it comes after <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-183-injured-in-algeria-protests-against-president-state-media-200776">tens of thousands of Algerians protested</a> Friday against the 82-year-old president standing for re-election.

Bouteflika, rarely seen in public since a 2013 stroke, has been in Switzerland for nearly a week for "routine medical checks" according to his office.

There is no legal requirement for election contenders to be in the country on Sunday to meet the midnight deadline to submit their candidacy for the April 18 vote.

Algeria's President Abdelaziz Bouteflika sacked his veteran campaign manager Saturday, state media reported, following mass protests against the ailing leader's decision to stand for a fifth term in office.

Algeria's President Abdelaziz Bouteflika sacked his veteran campaign manager Saturday, state media reported, following mass protests against the ailing leader's decision to stand for a fifth term in office. Former premier Abdelmalek Sellal -- who oversaw Bouteflika's past three successful re-election bids -- was removed just hours ahead of a deadline for election hopefuls to formally submit their candidacy. Sellal was replaced as campaign manager by Abdelghani Zaalene, the transport minister, APS news agency said, citing Bouteflika's campaign team. While no reason was given for the decision, it comes after tens of thousands of Algerians protested Friday against the 82-year-old president standing for re-election. Bouteflika, rarely seen in public since a 2013 stroke, has been in Switzerland for nearly a week for "routine medical checks" according to his office. There is no legal requirement for election contenders to be in the country on Sunday to meet the midnight deadline to submit their candidacy for the April 18 vote.

Algeria's Bouteflika sacks campaign manager: State media

A total of 183 people were injured during protests across Algeria on Friday against President Abdelaziz Bouteflika's bid for election to a fifth term, the state news agency APS said on Saturday, citing the health ministry.

One person died of a heart attack, officials said earlier.

Tens of thousands of protesters called on the ailing, 82-year-old Bouteflika to abandon plans to seek re-election in an April presidential vote - Algeria's biggest anti-government rallies since the Arab Spring eight years ago.

The protests were mostly peaceful but scuffles between police and protesters broke out late on Friday near the presidential place in the capital Algiers.

Algiers was quiet on Saturday.

Large-scale demonstrations - rarely seen in Algeria with its ubiquitous security services - against Bouteflika's re-election move began a week ago, but Friday saw the biggest turnout yet.

Bouteflika suffered a stroke in 2013 and has been seen in public only a few times since. His re-election bid stoked resentment among Algerians who believe he is not fit to run the major oil- and gas-producing country.

Bouteflika's campaign manager had said on Tuesday he would submit his official application on Sunday, the deadline for candidates. Bouteflika, who turned 82 on Saturday, has not directly addressed the protests.

Authorities said last week he would travel to Geneva for unspecified medical checks. Swiss television said on Friday Bouteflika was at Geneva University Hospital. There was no official confirmation that Bouteflika was in the Swiss city.

Many Algerians for years avoided politics in public, fearing trouble from the security services or disillusioned as the country has been run by the same group of veterans since the 1954-1962 independence war with France.

Bouteflika has ruled since 1999 and stamped out a decade-long Islamist insurgency early in his rule. Algerians have long tolerated a political system with little space for dissent as a price to pay for peace and stability.

A weak and divided opposition faces high hurdles in mounting an electoral challenge. Since the long-ruling FLN party again picked Bouteflika as its presidential candidate, several parties, trade unions and business groups have endorsed him.

A total of 183 people were injured during protests across Algeria on Friday against President Abdelaziz Bouteflika's bid for election to a fifth term, the state news agency APS said on Saturday, citing the health ministry.

A total of 183 people were injured during protests across Algeria on Friday against President Abdelaziz Bouteflika's bid for election to a fifth term, the state news agency APS said on Saturday, citing the health ministry. One person died of a heart attack, officials said earlier. Tens of thousands of protesters called on the ailing, 82-year-old Bouteflika to abandon plans to seek re-election in an April presidential vote - Algeria's biggest anti-government rallies since the Arab Spring eight years ago. The protests were mostly peaceful but scuffles between police and protesters broke out late on Friday near the presidential place in the capital Algiers. Algiers was quiet on Saturday. Large-scale demonstrations - rarely seen in Algeria with its ubiquitous security services - against Bouteflika's re-election move began a week ago, but Friday saw the biggest turnout yet. Bouteflika suffered a stroke in 2013 and has been seen in public only a few times since. His re-election bid stoked resentment among Algerians who believe he is not fit to run the major oil- and gas-producing country. Bouteflika's campaign manager had said on Tuesday he would submit his official application on Sunday, the deadline for candidates. Bouteflika, who turned 82 on Saturday, has not directly addressed the protests. Authorities said last week he would travel to Geneva for unspecified medical checks. Swiss television said on Friday Bouteflika was at Geneva University Hospital. There was no official confirmation that Bouteflika was in the Swiss city. Many Algerians for years avoided politics in public, fearing trouble from the security services or disillusioned as the country has been run by the same group of veterans since the 1954-1962 independence war with France. Bouteflika has ruled since 1999 and stamped out a decade-long Islamist insurgency early in his rule. Algerians have long tolerated a political system with little space for dissent as a price to pay for peace and stability. A weak and divided opposition faces high hurdles in mounting an electoral challenge. Since the long-ruling FLN party again picked Bouteflika as its presidential candidate, several parties, trade unions and business groups have endorsed him.

At least 183 injured in Algeria protests against president: State media

Thousands of people in cities across Algeria called on President Abdelaziz Bouteflika to leave office on Friday in the country's biggest anti-government demonstrations since the Arab Spring eight years ago.

The protests were mostly peaceful but scuffles broke out in the capital Algiers between police and protesters near the presidential palace, witnesses said.

One person died, according to a local official. Local media said it was a 60-year-old man who suffered a heart attack.

Several protesters and policemen were wounded during clashes in Algiers, state television said. News website TSA put the number of wounded at 63, citing official figures. It said 45 people were detained.

Large scale demonstrations - rarely seen in Algeria - against plans for Bouteflika to seek a fifth term in power in April elections began a week ago, but Friday saw the biggest turnout yet.

The 81-year-old suffered a stroke in 2013 and has been seen in public only a few times since. His re-election bid stoked resentment among Algerians who believe he is not fit to lead.

Bouteflika, who will turn 82 on Saturday, has not directly addressed the protests. The authorities said last week he would travel to Geneva for unspecified medical checks, although there was no official confirmation he had travelled.

Thousands of people in cities across Algeria called on President Abdelaziz Bouteflika to leave office on Friday in the country's biggest anti-government demonstrations since the Arab Spring eight years ago.

Thousands of people in cities across Algeria called on President Abdelaziz Bouteflika to leave office on Friday in the country's biggest anti-government demonstrations since the Arab Spring eight years ago. The protests were mostly peaceful but scuffles broke out in the capital Algiers between police and protesters near the presidential palace, witnesses said. One person died, according to a local official. Local media said it was a 60-year-old man who suffered a heart attack. Several protesters and policemen were wounded during clashes in Algiers, state television said. News website TSA put the number of wounded at 63, citing official figures. It said 45 people were detained. Large scale demonstrations - rarely seen in Algeria - against plans for Bouteflika to seek a fifth term in power in April elections began a week ago, but Friday saw the biggest turnout yet. The 81-year-old suffered a stroke in 2013 and has been seen in public only a few times since. His re-election bid stoked resentment among Algerians who believe he is not fit to lead. Bouteflika, who will turn 82 on Saturday, has not directly addressed the protests. The authorities said last week he would travel to Geneva for unspecified medical checks, although there was no official confirmation he had travelled.

One dead as protesting Algerians call on President Bouteflika to step down

Tens of thousands of Algerian students protested in the capital and other cities for a fifth day running on Tuesday against President Abdelaziz Bouteflika's plan to extend his 20-year rule by seeking a fifth term, witnesses said.

It was the fifth day of demonstrations but the first covered by state media after its journalists called on their employers to allow them to cover the protests.

Students were demanding that Bouteflika, 81, drop his intention to seek re-election in the April 18 presidential vote.

Bouteflika suffered a stroke in 2013, has been seen in public only a few times since and has given no known speeches in years.

Despite the rare outpouring of public dissent, Bouteflika's campaign manager said the president would file formal papers for re-election on March 3, 15 days before the vote.

"Nobody can decide to erase what we have in the constitution," Abdelmalek Sellal told a crowd of Bouteflika supporters in televised remarks. "It is his right to be a candidate."

The student protesters, who chanted "peaceful, peaceful" and "no to a fifth term", were also asking for government steps to provide jobs. More than a quarter of Algerians under 30 are unemployed.

"Many young people got their university degree but they are still unemployed," said a student who gave his name as Djahid.

Hundreds marched in central Algiers while other students held rallies inside faculties as police sought to prevent them leaving the university to link up with counterparts in the streets.

Rallies drawing up to thousands of people were also held in towns including Bejaia, Tizi Ouzou, Blida and Bouira, residents there told Reuters by telephone.

The state news agency APS said the protesters were demanding "change and reform". State television showed for the first time in its main evening news footage of demonstrations.

Bouteflika has not directly addressed the protests. The authorities said he would be travel to Geneva for unspecified medical checks, although there was no official confirmation he had left.

TABOO ON OPEN DISSENT BROKEN?

Many Algerians for years avoided politics in public, fearing trouble from the omnipresent security services, or having simply stopped caring as the country has been run by the same group of veterans since the 1954-1962 independence war with France.

Bouteflika himself has ruled since 1999 and stamped out a decade-long Islamist insurgency early in his rule. Many Algerians have long tolerated a political system with little space for dissent as a price to pay for peace and stability.

But the new protest waves appear to have broken the long taboo on public discussion of politics.

According to Bouteflika's opponents, there is no evidence he is in fit enough health to lead the country and that it is being ruled in his name by advisers. Authorities say he retains a firm grip on public affairs despite the rarity of his appearances.

A weak and divided opposition faces high hurdles in mounting an electoral challenge. Since the long-ruling FLN party again picked Bouteflika as its presidential candidate, several parties, trade unions and business groups have endorsed him.

Lower oil prices in recent years have damaged Algeria's economy, rekindling discontent.

Tens of thousands of Algerian students protested in the capital and other cities for a fifth day running on Tuesday against President Abdelaziz Bouteflika's plan to extend his 20-year rule by seeking a fifth term, witnesses said.

Tens of thousands of Algerian students protested in the capital and other cities for a fifth day running on Tuesday against President Abdelaziz Bouteflika's plan to extend his 20-year rule by seeking a fifth term, witnesses said. It was the fifth day of demonstrations but the first covered by state media after its journalists called on their employers to allow them to cover the protests. Students were demanding that Bouteflika, 81, drop his intention to seek re-election in the April 18 presidential vote. Bouteflika suffered a stroke in 2013, has been seen in public only a few times since and has given no known speeches in years. Despite the rare outpouring of public dissent, Bouteflika's campaign manager said the president would file formal papers for re-election on March 3, 15 days before the vote. "Nobody can decide to erase what we have in the constitution," Abdelmalek Sellal told a crowd of Bouteflika supporters in televised remarks. "It is his right to be a candidate." The student protesters, who chanted "peaceful, peaceful" and "no to a fifth term", were also asking for government steps to provide jobs. More than a quarter of Algerians under 30 are unemployed. "Many young people got their university degree but they are still unemployed," said a student who gave his name as Djahid. Hundreds marched in central Algiers while other students held rallies inside faculties as police sought to prevent them leaving the university to link up with counterparts in the streets. Rallies drawing up to thousands of people were also held in towns including Bejaia, Tizi Ouzou, Blida and Bouira, residents there told Reuters by telephone. The state news agency APS said the protesters were demanding "change and reform". State television showed for the first time in its main evening news footage of demonstrations. Bouteflika has not directly addressed the protests. The authorities said he would be travel to Geneva for unspecified medical checks, although there was no official confirmation he had left. TABOO ON OPEN DISSENT BROKEN? Many Algerians for years avoided politics in public, fearing trouble from the omnipresent security services, or having simply stopped caring as the country has been run by the same group of veterans since the 1954-1962 independence war with France. Bouteflika himself has ruled since 1999 and stamped out a decade-long Islamist insurgency early in his rule. Many Algerians have long tolerated a political system with little space for dissent as a price to pay for peace and stability. But the new protest waves appear to have broken the long taboo on public discussion of politics. According to Bouteflika's opponents, there is no evidence he is in fit enough health to lead the country and that it is being ruled in his name by advisers. Authorities say he retains a firm grip on public affairs despite the rarity of his appearances. A weak and divided opposition faces high hurdles in mounting an electoral challenge. Since the long-ruling FLN party again picked Bouteflika as its presidential candidate, several parties, trade unions and business groups have endorsed him. Lower oil prices in recent years have damaged Algeria's economy, rekindling discontent.

Algeria: Tens of thousands of students extend protests against President Bouteflika

Security forces arrested 41 people during angry protests that rocked Algeria's capital against ailing President Abdelaziz Bouteflika seeking a fifth term, authorities said Saturday.

Police fired teargas on Friday afternoon to block a protest march on the presidential palace, prompting demonstrators to respond with stone-throwing.

The Directorate General for National Security (DGSN), said Saturday it had detained 41 people over "public disorder, vandalism, damage to property, violence and assault".

Despite the arrests, protests around the country were largely tolerated by authorities, even in the capital, where demonstrations have been strictly banned since 2001.

The police did not give an estimate of the number of protesters, but a security official speaking on condition of anonymity told AFP that around 20,000 people had demonstrated nationwide, around a quarter of them in Algiers.&nbsp;

The official said 38 of the arrests were in the capital, and that no security personnel had been wounded.

Activists had used social media to call for nationwide protests against Bouteflika on Friday after weekly Muslim prayers.

The 81-year-old, who uses a wheelchair and has rarely been seen in public since suffering a stroke in 2013, announced on February 10 that he will run for another term in an April presidential election.

Security forces arrested 41 people during angry protests that rocked Algeria's capital against ailing President Abdelaziz Bouteflika seeking a fifth term, authorities said Saturday.

Security forces arrested 41 people during angry protests that rocked Algeria's capital against ailing President Abdelaziz Bouteflika seeking a fifth term, authorities said Saturday. Police fired teargas on Friday afternoon to block a protest march on the presidential palace, prompting demonstrators to respond with stone-throwing. The Directorate General for National Security (DGSN), said Saturday it had detained 41 people over "public disorder, vandalism, damage to property, violence and assault". Despite the arrests, protests around the country were largely tolerated by authorities, even in the capital, where demonstrations have been strictly banned since 2001. The police did not give an estimate of the number of protesters, but a security official speaking on condition of anonymity told AFP that around 20,000 people had demonstrated nationwide, around a quarter of them in Algiers. The official said 38 of the arrests were in the capital, and that no security personnel had been wounded. Activists had used social media to call for nationwide protests against Bouteflika on Friday after weekly Muslim prayers. The 81-year-old, who uses a wheelchair and has rarely been seen in public since suffering a stroke in 2013, announced on February 10 that he will run for another term in an April presidential election.

Dozens arrested in protests against fifth term for Algeria president