Tens of thousands in Algeria have taken to the streets angry at 81-year-old President Abdelaziz Bouteflika's plan to seek a fifth term in office.

Police fired tear gas at protesters in the capital, Algiers.

According to authorities seven protesters and more than 50 officers were injured, with 45 people arrested.

Anti-government protests are rare in Algeria but several broke out after Mr Bouteflika confirmed his candidacy.

He has rarely been seen in public since suffering a stroke in 2013 and is currently undergoing medical checks in Switzerland
As they marched through the streets of Algiers on Friday, some demonstrators carried banners saying "leave means leave". Others stressed their intentions were peaceful.

"Twenty years are enough," said one woman, quoted by AFP news agency, who was joined by her husband and children.


Authorities reportedly arrested 45 people after clashes between police and protesters
"This is a celebration, not a protest," Ali Selmi told Reuters news agency. "We are celebrating Algeria's rebirth."

The president has been in power since 1999
Some protesters threw stones near the presidential palace and were driven back by police firing tear gas. Witnesses said there were injuries on both sides.

Demonstrations also took place following Friday prayers in several other cities in Algeria.

Mr Bouteflika came to power in 1999 and is credited with putting an end to a civil war that is estimated to have killed more than 100,000 people.

Protests against food prices and unemployment broke out in 2011 during the Arab Spring but he responded by lifting a nearly two-decades old state of emergency, meeting a key demand of protesters.

After his stroke he won re-election in a poll denounced by the opposition and dissolved the country's powerful spy agency, replacing it with a body loyal to him.

Critics say his ill health means that he is unable to perform his duties as president.

Despite the show of dissent, Mr Bouteflika is still widely tipped to win the election in April.


https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-47420485

Otoge in Algeria. Interesting times.

Is obvious that the continent Africa has been cursed
One man ruling since 1999, and he is still clamouring for power. He has bad health, but greed won't allow him step down and savour his old age

May God help humanity

A black man will sing his praise while a white man will resist. That is the difference between a black man and a white man.

Bla bla bla... Bow before your supreme leader since you have refused to have sense.

7 terms?

Anyway the APC in Nigeria has a 50 year blueprint to remain in power and that will be a world record

They could have simply waited for the election day to vote him out if they don't really want him na, is that not why elections are there? all these ones they are doing now is unnecessary in my opinion.

I saw this coming
https://www.nairaland.com/5018645/fed-up-bouteflika-algerian-president

The next chapter will be a putsch if he does not step aside.
PS:
Bouteflika was among the coup leaders who overthrew president Ben Bella in the 1960s.

I know it not right to say dis hear but i ave no any other choice but to say it, plz fellow nl help for a job am not asking money from you but looking for what to do, i will be very greatfull if anybody in dis forum can help, am an O.N.D holder graudated with upper credit from school of environmental studies...09050210400 plz help me any were in port harcourt or any part of the country i can work there..

dhestiney:
They could have simply waited for the election day to vote him out if they don't really want him na, is that not why elections are there? all these ones they are doing now is unnecessary in my opinion.

THEY SHOULD BOOT HIM OUT NOW 'COS IT QUITE A SHAME THAT WE ALWAYS SEE THIS KIND NEWS HAPPEN IN AFRICA. SUCH MAN CAN RIG HIMSELF BACK TO POWER IF NOT STOPPED NOW

Ablemax:
I know it not right to say dis hear but i ave no any other choice but to say it, plz fellow nl help for a job am not asking money from you but looking for what to do, i will be very greatfull if anybody in dis forum can help, am an O.N.D holder graudated with upper credit from school of environmental studies...09050210400 plz help me any were in port harcourt or any part of the country i can work there..

Your best bet is GREENPEACE. An environmental group that has a lot of work to do all around the world especially in Africa where the environment is under threat.
Go to https://www.greenpeace.org/international/explore/about/
Find their contact and contact them. You could one of their top official somewhere in Africa. And it s big money too.
Once you get the job, let me know so we can celebrate.

panafrican:

Your best bet is GREENPEACE. An environmental group that has a lot of work to do all around the world especially in Africa where the environment is under threat.
Go to https://www.greenpeace.org/international/explore/about/
Find their contact and contact them. You could one of their top official somewhere in Africa. And it s big money too.
Once you get the job, let me know so we can celebrate.

thanks bro wil apply soonest