Algerians in huge numbers came out on the streets in the capital Algiers on Friday to reiterate their demand for the country’s ruling military and political elite to step down following the downfall of longtime leader Abdelaziz Bouteflika, reported Reuters. The demonstrations were conducted in more than a dozen other cities.
The Friday protest coincided with Algeria’s Independence Day and marked the 20th consecutive week that Algerians have gathered to demand a complete overhaul of the country’s political system.
“We want a free and democratic state,” the protest banners read. “We don’t want a military state but a civilian state”.
The protestors were heard shouting slogans against military chief Ahmed Gaid Salah, who emerged as a leader after Bouteflika’s resignation in early April.
“Gaid Salah get out,” some shouted wearing Algerian flags on their shoulders, heads, and waists on Friday.
Protesters again called out for the exit of Algeria’s interim president, Abdelkader Bensalah, and Prime Minister Nouredine Bedoui, both seen as Bouteflika’s close allies.
Police used tear gas and charged against protesters. They arrested a number of protesters and placed in police vans, witnesses said.
The latest protests come just a couple of days after interim president Bensalah called for a national dialogue, in which he promised the current leadership and the country’s military would not be involved in that dialogue. Bensalah, whose mandate is set to expire on Tuesday, warned on Wednesday against the risk of the country falling into a constitutional vacuum. The protesters have rejected Bensalah’s call for dialogue.
The presidential election, which was initially planned on July 4, was postponed early last month after only two potential runners submitted their candidacies. The protesters are now calling out for the establishment of independent institutions to oversee fresh elections.
