Algeria: Nationwide political rallies July 5 /update 16

Event

Multiple political activists are calling for mass demonstrations on Friday, July 5, to demand political change and new leadership in the country. Rallies are expected to be held in major urban areas across the country, including the capital Algiers. The protests also coincide with the 57th anniversary of Algeria's independence from France. A heightened security presence is anticipated around all protest sites, along with localized traffic disruptions. Government and commercial service disruptions related to Independence Day celebrations are also expected on Friday. 

Similar political protests are likely in Algiers and other cities over the coming weeks, particularly on Tuesday, July 9, when interim President Abdelkader Bensalah’s mandate expires.

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. Bensalah 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.