Thousands of Algerians took to the streets in Algiers on Monday to mark the second anniversary of the Hirak mass protest movement that pushed veteran president Abdelaziz Bouteflika from power after two decades in office, reported Reuters.
On the eve of the second anniversary, the Algerians emphasized in chants that they showed up not to celebrate but to demand the departure of the regime they have actively opposed over the last two years.
The demonstrations were also held in other areas across the country including Annaba, Oran, Béjaïa, Sétif, Bouira, Mostaganem, Constantine, and Tizi Ouzou.
The twice-weekly protests began on February 22, 2019, to protest against Bouteflika’s bid for a fifth term in office, despite his failing health. Their demands included ousting of Algeria’s old ruling elite, an end to corruption, and the army’s withdrawal from politics.
Notably, even after Bouteflika’s removal, the members continued with the rallies to call for the dismantling of the “system” in place since Algeria’s independence in 1962.
The demonstrations continued for more than a year until the global pandemic began. The government suspended the protests in March 2020 due to coronavirus restrictions.
The Algerian authorities even held a presidential election in December 2019 that resulted in Abdelmadjid Tebboune winning the presidency. He took some steps to meet protesters’ grievances, including minor changes to the constitution, but the very low turnout in a referendum to affirm the reforms indicated that his efforts had little support and public backing.
Tebboune returned to Algeria last week after spending four months in Germany receiving medical treatment after contracting COVID-19.
Hirak’s anniversary comes after the recent decision of President Tebboune to pardon 60 jailed members of the Hirak movement, with almost 40 having already been released. The Algerian president also ordered the dissolution of parliament and announced new elections would be held.
