Rabat – Protests in Algeria have entered their 16 week as Algerian demonstrators are refusing any solutions except radical change after the resignation of former President Abdelaziz Bouteflika.
On Thursday, Interim President Abdelkader Bensalah urged civil society and political parties to engage in an “inclusive dialogue” to overcome the crisis that the country has been facing since February 22.
In a televised statement, Bensalah said that dialogue would help fix a new date for elections as soon as possible” after the cancelation of the planned election on July 4.
On Sunday, June 2, the Algerian Constitutional Council announced that a presidential election would not be able to take place on July 4 due to a lack of valid candidates.
Protesters have been rallying against the interim president since February 22, calling for a radical change, such as aa boycott of the election, as well as calling on all elites from the Bouteflika era to leave.
Today marks the 16 weeks of continuous protests, with the interim president deploying security troops into the peaceful demonstrations.
The police have been using tear gas and water cannons to disperse protests. Last Friday, May 3, police also arrested several protesters.
The arrests have not prevented Algerian protesters for taking to the street for the 16th weeks of the protests. Photos shared by Algerian news outlets TSA show protesters rallying as they are holding several banners, including one demanding “new faces in the government.”
A video also shows porters wearing Algerian flags and distributing pastries among protesters, as this week marked Eid Al Fitr celebrations across the world.
