Algerians march for 12th week seeking broad political change
Posted May 10, 2019 6:42 am.
ALGIERS, Algeria — Protesters are filling the streets of Algeria’s capital for a 12th consecutive week, and the country’s army chief is a prime target of their opposition.
Hundreds of protesters gathered Friday at the emblematic Grande Poste, the central post office in Algiers. Some chanted for army chief Ahmed Gaid Salah to “get out.”
Gaid Salah played a leading role in the protesters’ push for a fully democratic republic. The protests started Feb. 22 over President Abdelaziz Bouteflika’s plan to seek a fifth term.
Bouteflika resigned last month under pressure from the protesters, and the army chief.
Gaid Salah is now being accused of co-opting the “people’s revolution.” He supports holding a presidential election Algeria’s interim leader called for July 4.
Many protesters see the election as a manoeuvr to keep the old guard in power.
The Associated Press
