12 Jul 2019 | 02:05 PM UTC
Algeria: Anti-government protests reported nationwide July 12 /update 18
Protests reported in Algiers, other cities July 12, demanding exit of ruling officials from post-Bouteflika political environment; heightened security presence and transportation disruptions expected near demonstrations over the coming weeks
Event
Thousands of demonstrators are marching amid protests held across Algeria on Friday, July 12, to demand fundamental changes in political leadership following former President Abdelaziz Bouteflika's resignation from office in early April. Large demonstrations have been reported in central Algiers and in other major cities, including Oran, Mostaganem, Tiaret, and Tlemcen. The latest gatherings mark the 21st consecutive Friday that demonstrations have taken place across Algeria.
A heightened security presence is anticipated around all protest sites, along with localized traffic disruptions.
Context
Political tensions have been high in Algeria since former President Abdelaziz Bouteflika resigned on April 2 following weeks of protests sparked by his intention to run for a fifth term. A caretaker government was approved on March 31, though protesters have vowed to continue to hold demonstrations until the elections.
On June 2, the Algerian Constitutional Council scrapped the July 4 presidential election, rejecting two candidates who had reportedly failed to reach 60,000 signatures in support of their candidacies. Thousands of people protested in Algiers following the announcement, demanding the removal of interim President Abdelkader Bensalah, who was instructed by the Constitutional Council to organize a new election at an unspecified later date. While Bensalah's mandate expired on July 9, he is expected to continue his tenure over the coming weeks amid additional anti-government protests and demonstrations.
Advice
Individuals in Algiers, and Algeria more generally, are advised to monitor developments, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, and anticipate a heightened security presence and localized business and transportation disruptions.
