Algeria: Civil society group announces protest in Algiers November 28 /update 51

Event

A civil society group plans to hold a protest in Algiers on Thursday, November 28, to demand the release of all imprisoned political activists. Participants are due to gather at 14:00 (local time) at Place Maurice Audin.

Additional nationwide protests and political rallies are to be expected throughout the current presidential campaign period amid heightened tensions in the country. A heightened security presence and associated disruptions to transportation, business, and internet service are likely around large protests. Clashes between rival political supporters and security forces cannot be ruled out.

Context

On September 15, Interim President Abdelkader Bensalah announced that presidential elections would be held on December 12, following months of political tensions in Algeria sparked by former President Abdelaziz Bouteflika's intention to run for a fifth term. An interim government was approved on March 31, though protesters have continued to hold demonstrations. Presidential elections previously set for July 4 were called off by the Algerian Constitutional Council after the only two candidates were rejected.

Advice

Individuals in Algiers are advised to monitor developments, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, and anticipate a heightened security presence and localized disruptions to business and transportation around protest sites.