There’s a deja vu feeling to this year’s wave of protests across the Arab world.

It’s not that this year saw the toppling of the leaders of Algeria and Sudan as a result of popular revolts, a harking back to the 2011 protests that overthrew the leaders of Tunisia, Egypt, Libya and Yemen.

It’s that it’s the protesters in Iraq, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, and Morocco rather than illiberal or autocratic regimes that have learnt the lessons of 2011.

Had illiberal and autocratic leaders learnt the lessons, they would not have been taken again by surprise by mass protests, often sparked by a black swan.

Lessons learnt would have meant putting their ear to the ground, hearing the groundswell of anger and frustration boiling at the surface over lack of economic opportunity and basic services, widespread corruption that benefits the few and complicates life for the many, and a clamouring for the ability to vent those grievances.

Lessons learnt would have meant addressing those concerns before its too late and spill into the streets in massive votes of no-confidence against&nbsp;the political and economic system and its leaders.

It’s a lesson that is valid beyond the Arab world with similar protests, like in 2011, erupting across the globe in countries such as Hong Kong, Russia, Peru, Haiti, Ecuador, Indonesia, and world-wide climate change-related demonstrations.

For their part, demonstrators in Algeria and Sudan concluded from the 2011 protests that toppling a leader was the beginning not the end of the process.

In Algeria, protesters remain in the streets six months after President Abdelaziz Bouteflika stepped down, battling the army for a political process that will guarantee structural change rather than enable an electoral process that ensures that the military and its aligned business interests remain the power behind the throne.

Sudanese demonstrators surrendered the street only after an agreement had been reached with the military on a three-year-long transition towards the civilian rule.

The Sudanese and Algerian experiences, like the lessons to be learnt from the 2011 revolts, suggest that the playing field in the wake of the fall of an autocrat is striking a balance between protesters’ demands for fundamental change and the determination of elites and the military to preserve their economic interests, some degree of control of security and safeguards against being held accountable for past abuse.

What demonstrators have going for them, beyond the power of the street, is the fact that popular discontent is not the only thing that mitigates against the maintenance of the pre-protest status quo.

Countries across the Middle East and North Africa, characterised by youth bulges, can no longer evade economic reform that addresses widespread youth unemployment, the need to create large numbers of jobs, and inevitable diversification and streamlining of bloated government bureaucracies.

Algeria is a case in point. Foreign exchange reserves have dropped from $193.6 billion in 2014 to $72 billion in 2019. Reserves cover 13 months of imports at best in a country that imports 70 per cent of what it consumes,

“If the state can no longer deliver goods and services, socio-economic discontent will rise further…. In order to avoid such a situation… the state and its citizens will have to renegotiate their relationship. In the past the state provided, and Algerians abided. This is no longer economically feasible today, nor is it what Algerians appear to want as they seek more transparency, less corruption, and better governance of Algeria’s resources,” said Algeria scholar Dalia Ghanem.

Attention in the past years since the 2011 popular Arab revolts have focussed on the consequences of the Saudi-UAE led counterrevolution that brutally rolled back protesters achievements in Egypt and contributed to the Iranian-backed military campaign of Houthi rebels in Yemen and the devastating subsequent military intervention in that country as well as civil wars in Syria and Libya.

Yet, the past eight years have also been characterised by issues-oriented protests that often involved new, creative forms of expression of discontent.

Iraq, Algeria and Sudan rather than Egypt contain lessons for the future.

Egypt’s field marshal-turned-president Abdel Fatah al-Sisi may have squashed recent protests with mass arrests and security force violence, but his conspiratorial depictions of a plot engineered by the repressed and weakened Muslim Brotherhood are unlikely to dampen widespread discontent with his failed economic policies that have benefited the elite and impoverished many.

Al-Sisi may have ended the protests for now, but continued refusal to address grievances makes Egypt an accident waiting to happen.

The demography of protesters in Iraq proves the point. The protests could have been avoided had the Iraqi government focused on tackling corruption, ensuring the delivery of basic services, and creating jobs for university graduates and opportunities for those who returned from defeating the Islamic State to find that they were deprived of opportunities.

One lesson of the protests in Iraq and Hong Kong is the fact that repressive government responses, the killing of more than 100 demonstrators in Iraq or the banning of face masks in Hong Kong, fuel rather than calm public anger.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) &nbsp;

There’s a deja vu feeling to this year’s wave of protests across the Arab world. It’s not that this year saw the toppling of the leaders of Algeria and Sudan as a result of popular revolts, a harking back to the 2011 protests that overthrew the leaders of Tunisia, Egypt, Libya and Yemen.

There’s a deja vu feeling to this year’s wave of protests across the Arab world. It’s not that this year saw the toppling of the leaders of Algeria and Sudan as a result of popular revolts, a harking back to the 2011 protests that overthrew the leaders of Tunisia, Egypt, Libya and Yemen. It’s that it’s the protesters in Iraq, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, and Morocco rather than illiberal or autocratic regimes that have learnt the lessons of 2011. Had illiberal and autocratic leaders learnt the lessons, they would not have been taken again by surprise by mass protests, often sparked by a black swan. Lessons learnt would have meant putting their ear to the ground, hearing the groundswell of anger and frustration boiling at the surface over lack of economic opportunity and basic services, widespread corruption that benefits the few and complicates life for the many, and a clamouring for the ability to vent those grievances. Lessons learnt would have meant addressing those concerns before its too late and spill into the streets in massive votes of no-confidence against the political and economic system and its leaders. It’s a lesson that is valid beyond the Arab world with similar protests, like in 2011, erupting across the globe in countries such as Hong Kong, Russia, Peru, Haiti, Ecuador, Indonesia, and world-wide climate change-related demonstrations. For their part, demonstrators in Algeria and Sudan concluded from the 2011 protests that toppling a leader was the beginning not the end of the process. In Algeria, protesters remain in the streets six months after President Abdelaziz Bouteflika stepped down, battling the army for a political process that will guarantee structural change rather than enable an electoral process that ensures that the military and its aligned business interests remain the power behind the throne. Sudanese demonstrators surrendered the street only after an agreement had been reached with the military on a three-year-long transition towards the civilian rule. The Sudanese and Algerian experiences, like the lessons to be learnt from the 2011 revolts, suggest that the playing field in the wake of the fall of an autocrat is striking a balance between protesters’ demands for fundamental change and the determination of elites and the military to preserve their economic interests, some degree of control of security and safeguards against being held accountable for past abuse. What demonstrators have going for them, beyond the power of the street, is the fact that popular discontent is not the only thing that mitigates against the maintenance of the pre-protest status quo. Countries across the Middle East and North Africa, characterised by youth bulges, can no longer evade economic reform that addresses widespread youth unemployment, the need to create large numbers of jobs, and inevitable diversification and streamlining of bloated government bureaucracies. Algeria is a case in point. Foreign exchange reserves have dropped from $193.6 billion in 2014 to $72 billion in 2019. Reserves cover 13 months of imports at best in a country that imports 70 per cent of what it consumes, “If the state can no longer deliver goods and services, socio-economic discontent will rise further…. In order to avoid such a situation… the state and its citizens will have to renegotiate their relationship. In the past the state provided, and Algerians abided. This is no longer economically feasible today, nor is it what Algerians appear to want as they seek more transparency, less corruption, and better governance of Algeria’s resources,” said Algeria scholar Dalia Ghanem. Attention in the past years since the 2011 popular Arab revolts have focussed on the consequences of the Saudi-UAE led counterrevolution that brutally rolled back protesters achievements in Egypt and contributed to the Iranian-backed military campaign of Houthi rebels in Yemen and the devastating subsequent military intervention in that country as well as civil wars in Syria and Libya. Yet, the past eight years have also been characterised by issues-oriented protests that often involved new, creative forms of expression of discontent. Iraq, Algeria and Sudan rather than Egypt contain lessons for the future. Egypt’s field marshal-turned-president Abdel Fatah al-Sisi may have squashed recent protests with mass arrests and security force violence, but his conspiratorial depictions of a plot engineered by the repressed and weakened Muslim Brotherhood are unlikely to dampen widespread discontent with his failed economic policies that have benefited the elite and impoverished many. Al-Sisi may have ended the protests for now, but continued refusal to address grievances makes Egypt an accident waiting to happen. The demography of protesters in Iraq proves the point. The protests could have been avoided had the Iraqi government focused on tackling corruption, ensuring the delivery of basic services, and creating jobs for university graduates and opportunities for those who returned from defeating the Islamic State to find that they were deprived of opportunities. One lesson of the protests in Iraq and Hong Kong is the fact that repressive government responses, the killing of more than 100 demonstrators in Iraq or the banning of face masks in Hong Kong, fuel rather than calm public anger. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Learning lessons: Protesters stay one step ahead of rulers

Tens of thousands of protesters demanding the removal of Algeria's ruling elite gathered in the capital Algiers for a 12th successive Friday (May 10), defying attempts by the army to ease tensions ahead of the presidential election.

Tens of thousands march to demand change in Algeria

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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

Hundreds of thousands of people protested in central Algiers on Friday in the biggest demonstration against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/algeria-ruling-party-turns-its-back-on-bouteflika-he-is-history-203535">President Abdelaziz Bouteflika</a>'s 20-year rule since unrest began last month.

Protesters crammed streets and squares in the capital after Friday prayers, many draped in Algeria's green, white and red flag. Demonstrations also took place in Bejaia, Oran, Batna, Tizi Ouzou and other cities.

"Bouteflika and his men must go as soon as possible," said Yazid Ammari, 23, a student.

Reuters journalists estimated the crowd at hundreds of thousands of people, though there was no police estimate. The number fell to thousands by late afternoon.

A statement from the Algerian national police (DGSN) said it arrested people involved in vandalism, theft and destruction of public and private property.

No heavy clashes were reported but the authorities said some 75 protesters were arrested and 11 policemen were slightly injured during the demonstrations.

Bouteflika on Monday reversed a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/algerias-president-bouteflika-abandons-re-election-bid-after-weeks-of-protest-202747">decision to stand for another term </a>after weeks of demonstrations against him, but he stopped short of relinquishing office and said he would stay on until a new constitution is adopted.&nbsp;

Algerians quickly rejected his offer and demanded that the 82-year-old president hand over power to a young generation of leaders who can create jobs and stamp out corruption.

"Those who think we are tired are wrong. Our protests will not stop," said doctor Madjid Benzida, 37, as police blocked streets leading to government offices and parliament.

Bouteflika has rarely been seen in public since suffering a stroke in 2013. Protesters say he is no longer fit for office.&nbsp;

The president has been losing allies in recent days since returning from medical treatment in Switzerland.

Hocine Kheldoun, a senior figure from the ruling National Liberation Front party, known by its French acronym FLN, said in an interview on Thursday night the long-ruling president was "history now."

The remarks by Kheldoun to Ennahar television were another setback for Bouteflika, who hoped to pacify Algerians by promising to take steps to change a political landscape that has been dominated for decades by a ruling elite.

Kheldoun, a former ruling party spokesman, became one of the most senior FLN officials to break with Bouteflika publicly, saying the party had to look forward and support the aims of demonstrators.

Some parents brought their children to Friday`s demonstration.

"I want a better future," said Mohamed Kemime, 10, draped in a national flag.

One of Algeria`s most influential clerics appealed for patience. &nbsp;

"Let’s be optimistic, Algeria needs to overcome its crisis," said Mohamed Abdelkader Haider from an Algiers mosque.&nbsp;

The new prime minister, Noureddine Bedoui, said on Thursday he would form a temporary government of technocrats and others to work towards political change, and he urged the opposition to join in a dialogue.

'GAME OVER'

A former minister who is familiar with Bouteflika`s inner circle told Reuters that the president could not survive given the pressure building against him.

"Game over. Bouteflika has no choice but to quit now," the former minister said on condition of anonymity.&nbsp;

Algeria is a major oil and gas producer, but so far exports have not been affected by the unrest. Its biggest oil field Hassi Messaoud and its Hassi Rmel gas field have been operating normally, a source from state oil giant Sonatrach told Reuters.

Many Algerians say that the president and other veterans of the 1954-62 war of independence against France have neglected them for decades.

The military, which has traditionally played a behind-the-scenes power broker role, has distanced itself from Bouteflika and stayed in its barracks throughout the crisis. It is expected to retain influence under all scenarios.

Algeria was relatively untouched when the 2011 "Arab Spring" uprisings swept away veteran autocrats in the Arab world. Bouteflika and his allies, effective manipulators of the opposition, managed to avoid major unrest by spending oil revenue on popular programs, such as handing out low interest loans and housing.

Bouteflika helped to defeat a civil war against Islamist insurgents in which tens of thousands of people were killed in the 1990s, and many Algerians long accepted heavy-handed rule as the price of stability.

But the public has lost patience with deteriorating economic conditions and the FLN`s failure to make the transition to a new generation despite the president`s failing health.

Hundreds of thousands of people protested in central Algiers on Friday in the biggest demonstration against President Abdelaziz Bouteflika's 20-year rule since unrest began last month.

Hundreds of thousands of people protested in central Algiers on Friday in the biggest demonstration against President Abdelaziz Bouteflika's 20-year rule since unrest began last month. Protesters crammed streets and squares in the capital after Friday prayers, many draped in Algeria's green, white and red flag. Demonstrations also took place in Bejaia, Oran, Batna, Tizi Ouzou and other cities. "Bouteflika and his men must go as soon as possible," said Yazid Ammari, 23, a student. Reuters journalists estimated the crowd at hundreds of thousands of people, though there was no police estimate. The number fell to thousands by late afternoon. A statement from the Algerian national police (DGSN) said it arrested people involved in vandalism, theft and destruction of public and private property. No heavy clashes were reported but the authorities said some 75 protesters were arrested and 11 policemen were slightly injured during the demonstrations. Bouteflika on Monday reversed a decision to stand for another term after weeks of demonstrations against him, but he stopped short of relinquishing office and said he would stay on until a new constitution is adopted. Algerians quickly rejected his offer and demanded that the 82-year-old president hand over power to a young generation of leaders who can create jobs and stamp out corruption. "Those who think we are tired are wrong. Our protests will not stop," said doctor Madjid Benzida, 37, as police blocked streets leading to government offices and parliament. Bouteflika has rarely been seen in public since suffering a stroke in 2013. Protesters say he is no longer fit for office. The president has been losing allies in recent days since returning from medical treatment in Switzerland. Hocine Kheldoun, a senior figure from the ruling National Liberation Front party, known by its French acronym FLN, said in an interview on Thursday night the long-ruling president was "history now." The remarks by Kheldoun to Ennahar television were another setback for Bouteflika, who hoped to pacify Algerians by promising to take steps to change a political landscape that has been dominated for decades by a ruling elite. Kheldoun, a former ruling party spokesman, became one of the most senior FLN officials to break with Bouteflika publicly, saying the party had to look forward and support the aims of demonstrators. Some parents brought their children to Friday`s demonstration. "I want a better future," said Mohamed Kemime, 10, draped in a national flag. One of Algeria`s most influential clerics appealed for patience. "Let’s be optimistic, Algeria needs to overcome its crisis," said Mohamed Abdelkader Haider from an Algiers mosque. The new prime minister, Noureddine Bedoui, said on Thursday he would form a temporary government of technocrats and others to work towards political change, and he urged the opposition to join in a dialogue. 'GAME OVER' A former minister who is familiar with Bouteflika`s inner circle told Reuters that the president could not survive given the pressure building against him. "Game over. Bouteflika has no choice but to quit now," the former minister said on condition of anonymity. Algeria is a major oil and gas producer, but so far exports have not been affected by the unrest. Its biggest oil field Hassi Messaoud and its Hassi Rmel gas field have been operating normally, a source from state oil giant Sonatrach told Reuters. Many Algerians say that the president and other veterans of the 1954-62 war of independence against France have neglected them for decades. The military, which has traditionally played a behind-the-scenes power broker role, has distanced itself from Bouteflika and stayed in its barracks throughout the crisis. It is expected to retain influence under all scenarios. Algeria was relatively untouched when the 2011 "Arab Spring" uprisings swept away veteran autocrats in the Arab world. Bouteflika and his allies, effective manipulators of the opposition, managed to avoid major unrest by spending oil revenue on popular programs, such as handing out low interest loans and housing. Bouteflika helped to defeat a civil war against Islamist insurgents in which tens of thousands of people were killed in the 1990s, and many Algerians long accepted heavy-handed rule as the price of stability. But the public has lost patience with deteriorating economic conditions and the FLN`s failure to make the transition to a new generation despite the president`s failing health.

Algeria's biggest protest demand President Bouteflika's quit

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.) 
 
 
&nbsp;

&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?

Lakhdar Brahimi, the veteran diplomat who is expected to steer Algeria`s political transition after mass protests, has won respect from foreign leaders and his country`s political elite during his long career.

But his appointment may not go down well with protesters demanding rapid change. At 85, he is three years older than President Abdelaziz Bouteflika and from the same generation that has presided over Algerian politics since the 1954-62 war of independence against France.&nbsp;

Bouteflika yielded to the protests on Monday by postponing elections and dropping plans to stand for a fifth term. Brahimi is now likely to chair a conference planning Algeria`s future, a government source said.

A former foreign minister, Brahimi has carried out troubleshooting missions for the United Nations across several regions and mediated on some of the Middle East`s thorniest conflicts.&nbsp;

Though not directly or publicly involved in national politics, he is a heavyweight of Algeria`s establishment, long viewed as a possible presidential candidate. He is close to Bouteflika.&nbsp;

"The voice of the people has been heard," Brahimi said on state television after Bouteflika`s announcement that he would not seek a new term.

"Young people who took to the streets acted responsibly and gave a good image of the country. We must turn this crisis into a constructive process."

Bouteflika has said his own final act will be to usher in a new system that will be in "the hands of a new generation of Algerians".&nbsp;

The "inclusive and independent" national conference that Brahimi is expected to head is tasked with drafting a new constitution and setting a date for elections by the end of 2019.

It is likely to include prominent war veterans as well as representatives of the protest movement which has brought tens of thousands of people on to the streets since last month, political sources said.

The plan may struggle to win support, however. Large crowds turned out again in cities across Algeria on Tuesday, protesting against the extension of Bouteflika`s term and calling for faster change.&nbsp;

"GREAT FRIENDSHIP FOR" BOUTEFLIKA

Educated in Algeria and France, Brahimi launched his career during the independence war, representing the National Liberation Front (FLN) in Southeast Asia while Bouteflika and other future leaders joined the FLN on the home front.&nbsp;

A career in the foreign service followed, including ambassadorial roles in the 1960s and 70s during Algeria`s post-independence diplomatic heyday, when a youthful Bouteflika was foreign minister.&nbsp;

Brahimi was foreign minister himself from 1991 to 1993, as Algeria slid into a civil conflict.&nbsp;

In an interview published in 2010, he said elections that were cancelled by the army, with the Islamic Salvation Front (FIS) poised to win, should never have been held, given the Islamists` strength.&nbsp;

But he said that once the first round was held in December 1991, the second round should have gone ahead too "because what followed could not have been worse".

Fighting that pitted security forces against an Islamist insurgency eventually killed as many as 200,000 people, with Bouteflika overseeing amnesties that drew the conflict towards a close after he became president in 1999.&nbsp;

From the 1980s, Brahimi served in multinational bodies, helping mediate an end to Lebanon`s civil war for the Arab League in 1989-91, an experience he described as formative.&nbsp;

He spent six months heading the UN observer mission to South Africa before Nelson Mandela`s election as president in 1994, and served twice as U.N. special envoy to Afghanistan, before and after the fall of the Taliban in 2001. In 2004, he was special envoy to Iraq.&nbsp;

In what was expected to be his final high-level mission, in 2012 he was named UN special envoy for Syria as the war there worsened, leading negotiations between President Bashar al-Assad`s government and rebels in Switzerland.

Brahimi quit two years later, unable to break intra-Syrian and international deadlocks. He told the UN Security Council: "I go with a heavy heart because so little was achieved."

In December 2018 Brahimi told Jeune Afrique magazine that he did not foresee a domestic crisis in Algeria.

"Recently I travelled a little in the interior of the country and I have the impression that Algeria is doing quite well," he said, citing infrastructure development in his home region south of Algiers.&nbsp;

He said he did not believe Bouteflika was widely contested, and that he did not have an opinion on whether the president should stand again.&nbsp;

"I have great confidence in him and great friendship for him," he said.&nbsp;

Lakhdar Brahimi, the veteran diplomat who is expected to steer Algeria`s political transition after mass protests, has won respect from foreign leaders and his country`s political elite during his long career.

Lakhdar Brahimi, the veteran diplomat who is expected to steer Algeria`s political transition after mass protests, has won respect from foreign leaders and his country`s political elite during his long career. But his appointment may not go down well with protesters demanding rapid change. At 85, he is three years older than President Abdelaziz Bouteflika and from the same generation that has presided over Algerian politics since the 1954-62 war of independence against France. Bouteflika yielded to the protests on Monday by postponing elections and dropping plans to stand for a fifth term. Brahimi is now likely to chair a conference planning Algeria`s future, a government source said. A former foreign minister, Brahimi has carried out troubleshooting missions for the United Nations across several regions and mediated on some of the Middle East`s thorniest conflicts. Though not directly or publicly involved in national politics, he is a heavyweight of Algeria`s establishment, long viewed as a possible presidential candidate. He is close to Bouteflika. "The voice of the people has been heard," Brahimi said on state television after Bouteflika`s announcement that he would not seek a new term. "Young people who took to the streets acted responsibly and gave a good image of the country. We must turn this crisis into a constructive process." Bouteflika has said his own final act will be to usher in a new system that will be in "the hands of a new generation of Algerians". The "inclusive and independent" national conference that Brahimi is expected to head is tasked with drafting a new constitution and setting a date for elections by the end of 2019. It is likely to include prominent war veterans as well as representatives of the protest movement which has brought tens of thousands of people on to the streets since last month, political sources said. The plan may struggle to win support, however. Large crowds turned out again in cities across Algeria on Tuesday, protesting against the extension of Bouteflika`s term and calling for faster change. "GREAT FRIENDSHIP FOR" BOUTEFLIKA Educated in Algeria and France, Brahimi launched his career during the independence war, representing the National Liberation Front (FLN) in Southeast Asia while Bouteflika and other future leaders joined the FLN on the home front. A career in the foreign service followed, including ambassadorial roles in the 1960s and 70s during Algeria`s post-independence diplomatic heyday, when a youthful Bouteflika was foreign minister. Brahimi was foreign minister himself from 1991 to 1993, as Algeria slid into a civil conflict. In an interview published in 2010, he said elections that were cancelled by the army, with the Islamic Salvation Front (FIS) poised to win, should never have been held, given the Islamists` strength. But he said that once the first round was held in December 1991, the second round should have gone ahead too "because what followed could not have been worse". Fighting that pitted security forces against an Islamist insurgency eventually killed as many as 200,000 people, with Bouteflika overseeing amnesties that drew the conflict towards a close after he became president in 1999. From the 1980s, Brahimi served in multinational bodies, helping mediate an end to Lebanon`s civil war for the Arab League in 1989-91, an experience he described as formative. He spent six months heading the UN observer mission to South Africa before Nelson Mandela`s election as president in 1994, and served twice as U.N. special envoy to Afghanistan, before and after the fall of the Taliban in 2001. In 2004, he was special envoy to Iraq. In what was expected to be his final high-level mission, in 2012 he was named UN special envoy for Syria as the war there worsened, leading negotiations between President Bashar al-Assad`s government and rebels in Switzerland. Brahimi quit two years later, unable to break intra-Syrian and international deadlocks. He told the UN Security Council: "I go with a heavy heart because so little was achieved." In December 2018 Brahimi told Jeune Afrique magazine that he did not foresee a domestic crisis in Algeria. "Recently I travelled a little in the interior of the country and I have the impression that Algeria is doing quite well," he said, citing infrastructure development in his home region south of Algiers. He said he did not believe Bouteflika was widely contested, and that he did not have an opinion on whether the president should stand again. "I have great confidence in him and great friendship for him," he said.

Veteran diplomat set to guide Algeria's transition after protests

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning, 11th March, 2019

Thousands of students and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/clashes-erupt-at-anti-bouteflika-protest-in-algerian-capital-202213">public transport workers went on strike</a> in Algeria Sunday against Abdelaziz Bouteflika's bid for a fifth term, as the presidency confirmed the ailing leader had returned from Switzerland.

The plane carrying Bouteflika from Geneva -- where he has been in the hospital for the past two weeks -- landed at Boufarik military base south of Algiers late afternoon, several Algerian media outlets said.

The Ennahar TV channel broadcast pictures of a convoy of black cars, preceded by motorbikes with flashing lights, speeding towards Algiers on the main road that was closed to other traffic.

The head of state's return ahead of April 18 elections came as protest strikes shut down the capital's public transport system and many schools across the country.

The 82-year-old president, who suffered a stroke in 2013, left Algeria on February 24 for what the presidency on Sunday once again described as "routine medical checks".

Demonstrations against Bouteflika's bid for a fifth term have attracted tens of thousands of people in Algiers and across the country for each of the last three Fridays, with smaller demonstrations taking place on other days.

Algeria's army chief and deputy defence minister, Ahmed Gaid Salah, was silent on the upcoming elections Sunday but said the military and the people share "the same values and principles".

Together they hold "a unique vision of the future of Algeria," said Salah, considered to be within Bouteflika's inner circle, in an address to students from military schools.

Following the breakout of protests, the army chief earlier this month pledged to guarantee Algeria's security and criticised those he said want to return to the "painful years" of Algeria's 1992-2002 civil war.

Shops shut&nbsp; 
No trains, metros, trams or buses left or circulated within Algiers, employees of the companies running those networks told AFP on Sunday morning.

Around 1,000 high school students gathered peacefully in central Algiers, while others marched in cities elsewhere.

Bouteflika has been in power since 1999 and his rare public appearances since his stroke have been in a wheelchair.

Most shops in the capital's commercial centre were closed on Sunday, an AFP journalist said.

Residents said shops were also closed in the poor district of Bab el Oued and in the suburb of Zeralda, but they were open in other areas.

As the protest strike continued, students and teachers occupied a number of universities, defying the education ministry's ruling a day earlier to bring holidays forward.

'Free and democratic!'&nbsp; 
Students have been at the heart of protests and a decision to start spring break on Sunday -- instead of March 21 -- will affect many whose family homes are far from campuses which are set to close over the holidays.

"Algeria free and democratic!" cried students at the University of Science and Technology Houari Boumediene in Algiers, where around 2,000 gathered to rally against the holiday decision and to keep up their protest against Bouteflika.

The opposition to the president shows that "the Bouteflika system is broken and that it will break up", said former prime minister Ali Benflis, in an interview with France's Le Journal du Dimanche newspaper.

But while businesses were shut and protests continued in Algiers, in the second city Oran all the shops in the commercial centre opened.

"We don't have the impression that there's a general strike," a journalist for Algerian media said from the city.

Another local reporter said half of the businesses were closed in Constantine, Algeria's third city, adding that high school students had taken to the streets there.

"Everything is closed" in the city of Bejaia in the Kabylie region, Achour Idir, a trade unionist in the education sector, told AFP.

He said the city was in "total paralysis" due to high schools, colleges, government offices and businesses closing.

Local news site TSA said strikes by workers had brought sugar and oil production "to a halt" at the privately-owned Cevital firm, and also hit several sectors at state-owned oil giant Sonatrach.

Thousands of students and public transport workers went on strike in Algeria Sunday against Abdelaziz Bouteflika's bid for a fifth term, as the presidency confirmed the ailing leader had returned from Switzerland.

Thousands of students and public transport workers went on strike in Algeria Sunday against Abdelaziz Bouteflika's bid for a fifth term, as the presidency confirmed the ailing leader had returned from Switzerland. The plane carrying Bouteflika from Geneva -- where he has been in the hospital for the past two weeks -- landed at Boufarik military base south of Algiers late afternoon, several Algerian media outlets said. The Ennahar TV channel broadcast pictures of a convoy of black cars, preceded by motorbikes with flashing lights, speeding towards Algiers on the main road that was closed to other traffic. The head of state's return ahead of April 18 elections came as protest strikes shut down the capital's public transport system and many schools across the country. The 82-year-old president, who suffered a stroke in 2013, left Algeria on February 24 for what the presidency on Sunday once again described as "routine medical checks". Demonstrations against Bouteflika's bid for a fifth term have attracted tens of thousands of people in Algiers and across the country for each of the last three Fridays, with smaller demonstrations taking place on other days. Algeria's army chief and deputy defence minister, Ahmed Gaid Salah, was silent on the upcoming elections Sunday but said the military and the people share "the same values and principles". Together they hold "a unique vision of the future of Algeria," said Salah, considered to be within Bouteflika's inner circle, in an address to students from military schools. Following the breakout of protests, the army chief earlier this month pledged to guarantee Algeria's security and criticised those he said want to return to the "painful years" of Algeria's 1992-2002 civil war. Shops shut No trains, metros, trams or buses left or circulated within Algiers, employees of the companies running those networks told AFP on Sunday morning. Around 1,000 high school students gathered peacefully in central Algiers, while others marched in cities elsewhere. Bouteflika has been in power since 1999 and his rare public appearances since his stroke have been in a wheelchair. Most shops in the capital's commercial centre were closed on Sunday, an AFP journalist said. Residents said shops were also closed in the poor district of Bab el Oued and in the suburb of Zeralda, but they were open in other areas. As the protest strike continued, students and teachers occupied a number of universities, defying the education ministry's ruling a day earlier to bring holidays forward. 'Free and democratic!' Students have been at the heart of protests and a decision to start spring break on Sunday -- instead of March 21 -- will affect many whose family homes are far from campuses which are set to close over the holidays. "Algeria free and democratic!" cried students at the University of Science and Technology Houari Boumediene in Algiers, where around 2,000 gathered to rally against the holiday decision and to keep up their protest against Bouteflika. The opposition to the president shows that "the Bouteflika system is broken and that it will break up", said former prime minister Ali Benflis, in an interview with France's Le Journal du Dimanche newspaper. But while businesses were shut and protests continued in Algiers, in the second city Oran all the shops in the commercial centre opened. "We don't have the impression that there's a general strike," a journalist for Algerian media said from the city. Another local reporter said half of the businesses were closed in Constantine, Algeria's third city, adding that high school students had taken to the streets there. "Everything is closed" in the city of Bejaia in the Kabylie region, Achour Idir, a trade unionist in the education sector, told AFP. He said the city was in "total paralysis" due to high schools, colleges, government offices and businesses closing. Local news site TSA said strikes by workers had brought sugar and oil production "to a halt" at the privately-owned Cevital firm, and also hit several sectors at state-owned oil giant Sonatrach.

President Abdelaziz Bouteflika returns to Algeria amid protests

Algerian authorities halted train and metro services in the capital Algiers on Friday amid heavy security ahead of expected protests against President Abdelaziz Bouteflika.

Mass demonstrations now entering their third week have posed the biggest challenge to the ailing 82-year-old president, who has ruled for 20 years and is standing for re-election on April 18.

Tens of thousands of Algerians, tired of the dominance of elderly veterans of the 1954-1962 war of independence against France, have been demanding that Bouteflika step down, but despite ill health, he has submitted his candidacy papers.

Mass protests are expected to start in the afternoon.

On Thursday, Bouteflika issued his first warning to protesters, saying the unrest -- the biggest since the 2011 "Arab Spring" -- could destabilise Algeria, a major oil and gas producer.

The president has not spoken in public since suffering a stroke in 2013, and is currently in hospital in Geneva.

Algerians have been urged to stage a "March of 20 Million" by an anonymous party on social media, and hundreds of protesters gathered in Algiers ahead of what could be the biggest demonstrations yet in the capital and other cities.&nbsp;

Riot police have been deployed in growing numbers in recent days, but the military has so far stayed in its barracks.

"Today will be a decisive day," said Mohamed, a teacher in Algiers.

Algerian authorities halted train and metro services in the capital Algiers on Friday amid heavy security ahead of expected protests against President Abdelaziz Bouteflika.

Algerian authorities halted train and metro services in the capital Algiers on Friday amid heavy security ahead of expected protests against President Abdelaziz Bouteflika. Mass demonstrations now entering their third week have posed the biggest challenge to the ailing 82-year-old president, who has ruled for 20 years and is standing for re-election on April 18. Tens of thousands of Algerians, tired of the dominance of elderly veterans of the 1954-1962 war of independence against France, have been demanding that Bouteflika step down, but despite ill health, he has submitted his candidacy papers. Mass protests are expected to start in the afternoon. On Thursday, Bouteflika issued his first warning to protesters, saying the unrest -- the biggest since the 2011 "Arab Spring" -- could destabilise Algeria, a major oil and gas producer. The president has not spoken in public since suffering a stroke in 2013, and is currently in hospital in Geneva. Algerians have been urged to stage a "March of 20 Million" by an anonymous party on social media, and hundreds of protesters gathered in Algiers ahead of what could be the biggest demonstrations yet in the capital and other cities. Riot police have been deployed in growing numbers in recent days, but the military has so far stayed in its barracks. "Today will be a decisive day," said Mohamed, a teacher in Algiers.

Train and metro services halted in Algerian capital ahead of protests

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