Rabat – Videos shared online show long lines for basic food supplies such as milk this Ramadan in Algeria.
The videos show lines stretching several blocks, of people waiting to enter stores for food and other basic supplies.
The economic hardships are commonly attributed to the Algerian regime’s policies such as a failure to apply the reform agenda, which has led to a poor recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic.
This has led many activists to call for serious reform in the country.
“It is shameful for the reigning authorities to cling on to power when they haven’t solved the scarcity issues and have left the population out to dry,” Algerian activist Oualid Kabir wrote on his Facebook page.
“This is a sight that ruins Algeria’s image as a country rich in its resources, but leaves its people impoverished,” he added.
Between rising prices and increasing scarcity of several key products, Algeria has been in the midst of an economic crisis over the past few years that saw many residents face increasing difficulties in obtaining basic household and food products.
Algerians have long cited domestic economic concerns as a top priority. A 2019 report from the Arab Barometer showed that 40% of Algerians viewed these concerns as a top priority.
A report released by the World Bank in late 2021 was met with fierce backlash from Algeria after it also pointed out issues in the Algerian economy, including lack of reforms and rising poverty levels.
Algerian MP publicly condemned Abdelmadjid Tebboune, the country’s president, earlier this month for the lack of inaction on the country’s economic hardships.
“Fear your God and help citizens and farmers. Everyone is suffering,” parliamentarian Fawzi Benamar said.
Read Also: Algerian MP Slams Tebboune Government for Inaction during Economic Crisis
Algeria’s regime has not eased up in escalating tensions with Morocco or funding the Polisario front, which reportedly cost it $1 billion USD annually.
The report from Arab Barometer shows that only 2% of Algerians consider security a pressing issue, in contrast with economic concerns being important for them.
