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Huge crowds gathered Friday in the Algerian capital to demonstrate. By Ryad KRAMDI (AFP)
Anti-government protesters stormed the streets of the Algerian capital and other cities on Friday, claiming that the highest officials' attempts to relinquish troubled President Abdelaziz Bouteflika were not enough.
Although there are no official figures, security sources said that hundreds of thousands of people had gone to Algiers and that marches had been organized in at least 36 of them. 48 provinces of the country.
For a sixth consecutive Friday, the numbers are huge despite the departure of a loyalist president who asks him to step down and make way for a change of leadership led by the government.
Activists categorically rejected the maneuvers as desperate offers from Bouteflika's entourage to regain their own grip on power and demanded that they also stop resigning.
"Bouteflika, go ahead, take Gaid Salah with you," and demonstrators in the capital shouted in the capital, referring to the chief of staff of the armed forces and the president's party.
Crowds of protesters, mostly young, but also veterans of the army who participated in the Algerian civil war of the 90s, invaded the square in front of the main post office, which became the Epicenter of the demonstrations.
"We are tired of those in power," chanted the protesters. "We want a new government".
Some waved the green, white and red Algerian flag or draped it over their shoulders, while others held banners with slogans and cartoons.
Some made long trips to take part in the event.
Key dates of the career of Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, while the army chief on Wednesday calls for him to be declared unfit to govern. By Simon MALFATTO (AFP) "We are here to make one last call to the people in power:" Take your luggage and leave, "said Amin, 45, who visited the capital from the port of Bejaia, close to 200 km) one way.
Earlier this month, 82-year-old Bouteflika, who uses a wheelchair and has rarely been seen in public since a stroke in 2013, said he would not run again, but also postponed the vote d & # 39; in April.
His approach provoked the anger of Algerians who saw it as a ploy from those around him to extend his two decades of power. Tens of thousands of people have again taken to the streets to demand his immediate ouster.
Allies distancing themselves
In the face of continued public anger, a succession of veteran loyalists from Bouteflika have deserted the president this week.
On Tuesday, the chief of staff, General Ahmed Gaid Salah, appointed by Bouteflika in 2004, asked him to resign or be declared medically unfit.
The chief of staff quoted Article 102 of the constitution, according to which a president may be dismissed if he is declared unfit to rule.
A long-time loyal supporter of Bouteflika, Gaid Salah said on television that it was "imperative" to find a way out of the crisis "that meets the legitimate demands" of the people, according to the constitution.
Algerians are participating for the sixth time in mbad protests against President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, who is ill in the capital, Algiers. By – (AFP) Article 102 requires the president to resign or be declared unfit to govern by a vote of Parliament because of a "serious and lasting illness".
Since then, other voices have emerged from Bouteflika's own camp in search of his ouster.
On Wednesday, long-time partner of the Bouteflika coalition, the National Rally for Democracy (RND) of former Prime Minister Ahmed Ouyahia, also called for his resignation.
The RND has stated that it "recommends the resignation of the president (…) with the aim of smoothing the transition period," in a statement signed by his leader, Ouyahia.
Ouyahia, unpopular, has served three times as Prime Minister of Bouteflika since 2003, before being sacrificed on March 11 with the unsuccessful goal of calming the intensification of protests.
& # 39; Go all & # 39;
The head of the powerful General Union of Algerian Workers (UGTA), Abdelmadjid Sidi Said, also welcomed on Wednesday the call of the army chief.
The application of Article 102 would be "the legal framework that can overcome the political crisis facing our country," he said.
"We are tired of those in power," chanted the protesters Friday. By RYAD KRAMDI (AFP) On Thursday, President of the Forum of Algerian Business Leaders, Ali Hadad, resigned. It is widely regarded as a political tool of Bouteflika, subject to severe criticism of protesters.
But the idea that Bouteflika's relatives retain their grip on power thanks to a deputy leader was caught unawares by Friday's protesters.
Some chose the humor to express their rejection of the call for a transition led by the government under Article 102.
"102 – this number is out of order," said a sign held by the crowd in front of the main post office and the central office. "Please call people."
Others waved a banner saying, "We are asking for the application of article 2019: Are you all going."
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