Police in Algeria on Friday clashed with protesters who have been demanding the immediate exit of President Abdelaziz Bouteflika.
The demand for Bouteflika’s exit has been growing for weeks now as he continues to cling on to power.
During Friday’s protest, Algerian police used water cannons to disperse hundreds of thousands of protesters in the capital Algiers.
President Abdelaziz Bouteflika has remained defiant insisting he will remain in power beyond his term expiring next month.
Elections were supposed to have taken place next month to choose a new president.
Bouteflika had filed to contest that election but rescinded his decision at the peak of protests.
#Algeria: Water Cannon seen used against peaceful protesters today.
This is week 6 of protests to end Bouteflika’s rule. Video: pic.twitter.com/HcS6Ec2XHQ
— Joyce Karam (@Joyce_Karam) March 29, 2019
He then called for the suspension of the elections. Many were hoping he will let go the presidency in order to restore calm to the country.
Vacant position
This week, Algeria’s army chief of staff, Lt Gen Ahmed Gaed Salah proposed that the position of president be made vacant.
#Algeria: On Tuesday, #GaedSalah announced he was to apply #Article102, declaring #Bouteflika unfit to rule.
Citizens, wary of the military, have turned out in numbers for protests this Friday.
Will ‘le pouvoir’ fall in the near future? #WorldThisWeek pic.twitter.com/aUmPggUaQk
— The Debate – France 24 (@F24Debate) March 29, 2019
He wanted President Bouteflika to be declared unfit but opposition parties say that would not resolve the political crisis.
The protesters want Bouteflika gone and fresh elections held immediately to restore calm.
No sign of exiting
But there is no clear signal the 82 year old leader wants to leave power immediately and allow for fresh elections to pick his successor.
President Bouteflika is confined to a wheel-chair and medically unwell.
Bouteflika reportedly suffered stroke in 2013 and hardly makes public appearances. He has been in power for 20 years now.
Protesters are hoping he gives in sooner due to ongoing demonstrations and pressure for him to stepdown.
Source: Africafeeds.com
