Hundreds of Thousands Demonstrate in Algeria Against Bouteflika

Hundreds of thousands of protesters took to the streets of Algiers on Friday, April 9, marking the sixth consecutive Friday of demonstrations calling for the ousting of President Abdelaziz Bouteflika. This protest came just days after the army chief's request for the president to resign. According to Reuters, demonstrators danced, honked car horns, and chanted for freedom and democracy. Some demanded the removal of the entire ruling class, expressing opposition not only to Bouteflika but also to military involvement in politics. Hundreds of riot police were deployed in the streets, and helicopters flew overhead. A 25-year-old student named Mohammed stated, "The pressure from the people in the streets will continue until the entire system is removed." A merchant named Ali said, "We have only one message today: all of the ruling gang must go; the game is over. The people demand the overthrow of the entire regime." The atmosphere of the demonstration resembled a celebration, with families cheering from balconies, people distributing dates and water among protesters, and some enjoying ice cream. General Ahmed Gaid Salah, the army chief, requested the Constitutional Council to decide on the fitness of the 82-year-old ailing president to remain in office. This move by Algeria's powerful military is expected to increase pressure on Bouteflika, who has failed to calm dissenters by withdrawing from running for a fifth presidential term. A significant number of Bouteflika's allies have already abandoned him. The president, who has rarely appeared in public since a heart attack in 2013, now faces the most severe crisis of his 20-year rule. Reuters adds that the protesters have put forth ambitious demands, arguing that the ruling political cadre, mostly politicians from the independence era from France, are too old and do not understand the needs of today's people and society. The protesters aim to replace the ruling class with young politicians and leaders who can rebuild the oil-dependent economy and give hope to the people who are waiting for a better life. So far, Algeria's powerful armed forces have remained in their barracks and have not intervened in the protests. However, General Salah's call for Bouteflika's resignation reminded the Algerian people that the military intends to maintain its extensive influence in the country's politics. The National Liberation Front, the ruling party in Algeria, and the most important labor union have supported General Salah's request, indicating that Bouteflika's rule may be coming to an end. In the latest blow to Bouteflika's authority, one of his key allies, Ali Haddad, a major investor in Algeria and influential head of the country's economic assembly, resigned from his position. Haddad, who has implemented significant government projects and has considerable media investments, has been one of Bouteflika's main financial backers in recent decades. According to Algeria's constitution, Abdelkader Bensalah, the president of the Senate, will assume the presidency for at least 45 days following Bouteflika's ousting. However, even if Bouteflika resigns, there is no clear and recognized successor for him.