Algeria: Clashes during student protests in Bouria Dec. 11

Event

On Monday, December 11, clashes broke out between students and police near Akli Mohand Oulhadj University in Bouïra. The students are protesting what they allege is the marginalization of the Berber language (Tamazight). Both students and police reportedly threw stones. A related strike in relation to the marginalization of Tamazight conducted by high school students in the Bouïra region is ongoing as of Monday afternoon (local time), reportedly paralyzing those schools. Police reinforcements have been deployed to secure neighborhoods, public buildings, and administrative offices.

Related university students movements in Boumerdès, Béjaïa, and Tizi Ouzou have also been observed. Continued demonstrations and strikes demanding the inclusion of Tamazight in educational institutions are likely in the coming days and weeks.

Context

These student protests are largely in response to a parliamentary decision to reject a proposal to that would have mandated the teaching of Tamazight (spoken by Berber, or "Amazigh," people) in public and private schools. The protesters claim this decision is unconstitutional, according to changes in 2016 which included Tamazight as an official language of the country. Amazigh people in Algeria, as well as neighboring Morocco, Libya, and Tunisia, have long claimed their culture and language has been marginalized in their majority Arabic-speaking countries. Recent efforts in regards to education and promotion of Amazigh language and culture have attempted to reverse this marginalization in the region.

Advice

Individuals in Algeria are advised to avoid any form of protest as a precaution and to keep abreast of the situation.