Algerians took to the streets by the thousands on Monday to mark the second anniversary of the “hirak” protest movement, pressing for overall democratic reforms as many remained unimpressed by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s call for new elections and the overtures to move forward in unity. The protests remained peaceful, while…
Military leader Ahmed Gaïd Salah, the deputy minister of defense and Chief of Staff for the Algerian army, died on Monday following a heart attack, according to a statement from the presidency. Gaïd Salah was 79 years old. His death comes less than two weeks after the election of Abdelmadjid…
With Abdelmadjid Tebboune winning the election in Algeria, the new president was quick to pivot toward the opposition with promises of meaningful constitutional reforms, and a national dialogue to move the nation beyond its political crisis. Tebboune made the overtures following Thursday’s elections, which saw him claim 58.2 percent of…
Laureen is the editor of Africa Times
Algerians are headed to the polls on Thursday for a presidential election postponed since April 18, but after a long year of heady highs and disappointing lows, in the end there are real questions about who will even be participating – and worse, how the country will recover from yet…
Laureen is the editor of Africa Times
With just two weeks before elections, protesters in Algeria showed no signs of stopping on Wednesday as stone-throwing crowds clashed with security forces using tear gas outside one candidate’s meeting site. Agence France Presse reports the presidential candidate, former prime minister Ali Benflis, held his meeting some 90 kilometers outside…
Algerians have protested every week for more than six months now, demanding economic reforms and an embrace of democratic principles. Thousands continued to protest even after former president Abdelaziz Bouteflika resigned in April, and they haven’t stopped as the North African nation works its way toward a December 12 presidential…
The Human Rights Watch organization said Tuesday that one of its staff has been deported from Algeria after a 10-day ordeal that saw him briefly detained followed by the seizure of his travel documents. Ahmed Benchemsi, a Middle East communications and advocacy director who holds dual citizenship in Morocco and…
Algeria’s interim leader will remain in place until the country holds elections, despite Tuesday marking the end of a 90-day term that began with the departure of former president Abdelaziz Bouteflika. Abdelkader Bensalah, a Bouteflika ally and Algeria’s parliament leader, stepped into the role following Bouteflika’s resignation in April. The…
President Abdelaziz Bouteflika of Algeria resigned on Tuesday, ending weeks of speculation and confrontation. He followed the announcement with an emotional farewell letter to the Algerian people that recounted the successes of his long tenure but asked their forgiveness for his failings too. “Soon, Algeria will have a new president,…
President Abdelaziz Bouteflika of Algeria postponed the nation’s April 18 election on Monday, and said in a statement that he would no longer run for re-election after serving four terms. State news agency Algeria Press Service shared Bouteflika’s message with the nation, following the 82-year-old leader’s return from medical treatment…
Reports from Switzerland suggest Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika may be headed home after two weeks of medical care, a trip that’s kept him outside of a country in turmoil over his bid for a fifth term. Agence France Presse shared video late Sunday afternoon that showed the same convoy that…
President Abdelaziz Bouteflika issued a statement Sunday seeking to reassure an Algeria in turmoil that he hears the concerns of thousands of protesters, and will remain a candidate in upcoming elections but then institute reforms and shepherd a transition to new leadership. “The commitments I make before you will, of…
Young Algerians took to the streets on Friday to protest the possibility of a fifth term for President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, the ailing 81-year-old who has been Algeria’s leader since 1999. The marches in Algiers, Oran, Sidi Bel Abbès and beyond featured signs and slogans to oppose another term for the…
President Abdelaziz Bouteflika of Algeria confirmed on Sunday his intentions to run for a fifth term, one day after his National Liberation Front party said the 81-year-old will run again. Bouteflika’s bid, announced on the Algeria Press Service state news channels, included the promise that if elected he would begin…
Speculation over a possible fifth term for President Abdelaziz Bouteflika is running high in Algeria, where a spokesman for Democratic National Rally (RND) party – a key coalition member of the country’s presidential alliance – said Wednesday that he’ll announce a decision next week. Chihab Seddik, speaking with Algerian outlet…