18 Apr 2018 | 03:12 AM UTC
Algeria: Rallies in Kabylie region April 20
Rallies planned in Algeria's Kabylie region on April 20 commemorating anniversary of 1980 Berber Spring, particularly in Béjaïa (Béjaïa province), Bouïra (Bouïra province), and Tizi Ouzou (Tizi Ouzou province)
Event
The Movement for the Autonomy of Kabylie (MAK) has called for rallies throughout the Kabylie region of Algeria on Friday, April 20, in commemoration of the 1980 Berber Spring and 2001 Black Spring demonstrations. Associated gatherings are notably expected to be held in the cities of Béjaïa (Béjaïa province), Bouïra (Bouïra province), and Tizi Ouzou (Tizi Ouzou province). Heightened security measures and transportation disruptions (due to traffic congestion) are possible in the vicinity of the demonstrations.
Context
The MAK has called for the rallies, dubbed the Rally for Kabylie, to advocate for the decentralization of political power from the Algerian state - which it has deemed influenced by a "retrograde" and "Arab-Islamic" ideology - to a regional government and parliament that represents Amazigh traditions and interests. Specifically, the organizers of the rallies are advocating for greater regional control of linguistic policies to promote the use of Amazigh language.
The Berber Spring protests of 1980 and the Black Spring rallies of 2001 were both defined by ethnic Berber demonstrations and strike actions, particularly among Kabyle people, demanding greater cultural recognition and an end to ethnic- and culture-based marginalization by the state. Hundreds of people were killed and thousands of others were wounded and arrested in clashes with security forces during the protest movements before they were forcibly suppressed.
On a separate note, popular discontent has also recently increased in the south of Algeria, including in Ghardaïa and Tamanrasset provinces, due to years of perceived economic marginalization. A related demonstration was organized by Tuareg activists in the city of Tamanrasset on March 17. Civil unrest may continue to mount in advance of the planned May 2019 presidential election, especially if incumbent President Abdelaziz Bouteflika - in power since 1999 - decides to run for a fifth term in office.
Advice
Individuals in Algeria, particularly in Kabylie region, are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all related demonstrations and gatherings as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.
