Algeria calls for protests, but can the Arab revolutions be duplicated?

**StrontiumDog** · 11-02-2011, 02:08 AM

France24 - Algeria calls for protests, but can the Arab revolutions be duplicated?

Algeria calls for protests, but can the Arab revolutions be duplicated?

Algerian opposition groups have called for protests on Feb. 12, ignoring a government ban on demonstrations. But can a fractious opposition replicate the uprisings that shook Tunisia and Egypt?

By Marianne NIOSI (text)

As Algerian opposition groups prepare for a day of protests on Saturday, analysts are examining whether the winds of change that originated in Tunisia and blew east to engulf Egypt might now head back west to Africa’s oil- and natural gas-rich second-largest nation.

Defying a government ban on protests, Algerian opposition groups have vowed to go ahead with a Feb. 12 call for “democratic change”, sparking a debate over whether Algeria could be the next domino to fall.

That appears to be the goal of Fodil Boumala, a writer and administrator of the Facebook page Res Publica II, which claims to offer “a space for reflection and debate”.

Boumala is also a member of the National Coordination for Change and Democracy – an umbrella group of human rights organisations, trade unions and opposition parties known by the French acronym CNCD – which is organising the Feb. 12 protest.

“The objective is rupture, the departure of the current government and the establishment of genuine democracy,” said Boumala in a telephone interview with FRANCE 24.

There are numerous reasons why Algeria could be “the next Tunisia” or “the next Egypt” – including having a longstanding leader who has muzzled the opposition, high unemployment and relatively high literacy rates. Algerians have long chafed under what is popularly called “hogra” – a term that literally means “contempt” in Algerian Arabic and is used to refer to the rampant abuse of authority and arbitrary nature of official decisions.

But few Algerian and international analysts believe the rupture that Boumala is seeking could come as swiftly or effectively as it did in Tunisia.

"If we compare [Algeria] with Tunisia and Egypt, it will not be Tahrir Square," said Abdelmoumen Khelil, secretary general of the Algerian League of Human Rights, with a laugh. Tahrir Square is the central Cairo meeting point that has been the focus of protests in Egypt.

Opposition rejects Bouteflika’s offer

Demonstrations have been banned in Algeria because of a state of emergency that has been in place since 1992 when the military cancelled free elections, sparking Algeria’s descent into a brutal civil war.

Last week, Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, who has been in power since 1999, announced that he would lift the state of emergency “in the very near future”, following a spate of copycat suicide attempts mimicking that of the 26-year-old Mohamed Bouazizi, whose self-immolation in protest at unemployment sparked the Tunisian uprising that led to the overthrow of the president. Bouteflika has also promised to allow more democratic freedoms and generate more jobs.

But organisers of Saturday’s march have dismissed the president’s promises, demanding an actual end to the state of emergency and calling for Bouteflika himself to step down.

Bouteflika’s offer came weeks after police broke up a Jan. 22 rally organised by the opposition Rally for Culture and Democracy (RCD) party and prevented protesters from reaching May 1 Square in central Algiers.

The Jan. 22 protest of around 300 people failed to attract a large crowd and protesters were easily encircled by an impressive presence of helmeted riot police armed with batons and shields.

RCD officials said more than 42 people were injured in the clashes while Algerian security officials said seven policemen were wounded.

‘Already a victory’

Hafidh Daamache, deputy editor of the Arabic newspaper El-Khabar, is sceptical about the success of Saturday’s event. “Here, people think [about] themselves, their homes, their jobs,” he said.

While residents of the northern Kabylie region, from which the RCD draws much of its support, are more politically mobilised, Daamache noted that it was easy to cut access routes to Algiers. “May 1 Square can be locked [down] with 300 policemen and the roads to Algiers are few and easy to block,” he said.

But Boumala remains optimistic. “The CNCD has brought together people who are not accustomed to talking to each other,” he said.

“The protest is already a success – the mobilisation, the vibrancy of the public debate is a victory,” Abdelmoumen concurred.

A fractious opposition

But Nicole Chevillard, an analyst and editor at Risque Internationaux (International Risk), a Paris-based publication specialising in high-risk countries and emerging markets, remains doubtful about the Algerian opposition’s ability to bridge longstanding divisions.

“They are so divisive, le pouvoir,” she said, referring to the French-Algerian term for the shadowy power brokers who pull the strings in a country where the military exerts the real power. They have “manipulated the opposition, using false pretences and avatars for years”, she says, adding: “This explains the distrust of the Algerians.”

Ever since it gained independence from France in 1962, Algeria has essentially been a single-party state, with the fractious opposition parties that are tolerated by the regime showing no inclination to challenge the military.

Two rival parties represent the Berber community, a non-Arab minority from Kabylie who speak their own language and make up between 15% and 20% of the population.

Both the RCD and the rival Front des Forces Socialistes (Front of Socialist Forces, or FFS) have called for democratic reforms. But the FFS has not joined the CNCD and will instead hold its own rally on Feb. 12.

Although the Tunisian and Egyptian uprisings have impressed Algerian activists, they maintain that the Algerian situation is markedly different. “In Algeria, the issue is not so much that people cannot speak, but that nobody listens,” Chevillard explained.

She remains astonished by the copycat suicide attempts following Bouazizi’s self-immolation in Tunisia. “It is not at all part of local culture, nor is it part of Arab culture,” Chevillard said.

But the fact that the spate of suicide attempts continues is a sign of the desperate hunger for change.

“Given the present state of Algeria, it will take time,” said Abdelmoumen. “But people want change to happen.”

**Mid** · 13-02-2011, 06:08 AM

Algeria police try to stifle Egypt-inspired protest
Feb 13, 2011

Widespread unrest in Algeria could have implications for the world economy because it is a major oil and gas exporter, but many analysts say an Egypt-style revolt is unlikely because the government can use its energy wealth to placate most grievances.
PHOTO: AFP

ALGIERS - THOUSANDS of police in riot gear were in position in the centre of the Algerian capital on Saturday to stop a planned demonstration from mimicking the uprising which forced out Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak.

Officials have banned the opposition march, setting the stage for possible clashes between police and demonstrators who are demanding greater democratic freedoms, a change of government, and more jobs.

Mr Mubarak's resignation on Friday, and last month's overthrow of Tunisia's leader, have electrified the Arab world and led many to ask which country could be next in a region where a flammable mix of authoritarian rule and popular anger are the norm.

Widespread unrest in Algeria could have implications for the world economy because it is a major oil and gas exporter, but many analysts say an Egypt-style revolt is unlikely because the government can use its energy wealth to placate most grievances.

'We are ready for the march,' said Mohsen Belabes, a spokesman for the small RCD opposition party which is one of the organisers of the protest. 'It's going to be a great day for democracy in Algeria.' A heavy police presence is routine in Algeria to counter the threat of attacks by al Qaeda insurgents, but many times the usual numbers were already in place hours before the start of the protest.

At May 1 Square, the starting point for the planned march not far from the city's Mediterranean port, at least 15 police vans, jeeps and buses were lined up. A similar number were in a nearby side-street outside the city's Mustapha hospital.

straitstimes.com

**Mid** · 13-02-2011, 12:15 PM

Algeria shuts down internet and Facebook as protest mounts
Nabila Ramdani
12 Feb 2011

Internet providers were shut down and Facebook accounts deleted across Algeria on Saturday as thousands of pro-democracy demonstrators were arrested in violent street demonstrations.

Algerian protesters chant slogans during a demonstration in Algiers
Photo: EPA

Plastic bullets and tear gas were used to try and disperse large crowds in major cities and towns, with 30,000 riot police taking to the streets in Algiers alone.

There were also reports of journalists being targeted by state-sponsored thugs to stop reports of the disturbances being broadcast to the outside world.

But it was the government attack on the internet which was of particular significance to those calling for an end to President Abdelaziz Boutifleka's repressive regime.

Protesters mobilising through the internet were largely credited with bringing about revolutions in Egypt and Tunisia.

"The government doesn't want us forming crowds through the internet," said Rachid Salem, of Co-ordination for Democratic Change in Algeria.

"Security forces are armed to the teeth out on the street, and they're also doing everything to crush our uprising on the internet. Journalists, and especially those with cameras, are being taken away by the police."

President Hosni Mubarak had tried to shut down internet service providers during 18 days of protest before stepping down as Egyptian leader on Friday.

Mostafa Boshashi, head of the Algerian League for Human Rights, said: "Algerians want their voices to be heard too. They want democratic change.

"At the moment people are being prevented from travelling to demonstrations. The entrances to cities like Algeria have been blocked."

At least five people were killed in similar protests in Algeria in January, when the Interior Ministry said 1000 people were arrested.

On Saturday at least 500 had been arrested by early evening in Algiers alone, with hundreds more in Annaba, Constantine and Oran taking part in the so-called February 12 Revolution.

"The police station cells are overflowing," said Sofiane Hamidouche, a demonstrator in Annaba.

"There are running battles taking place all over the city. It's chaos. As night falls the situation will get worse."

Algeria has the eighth largest reserves of natural gas in the world, and is also oil-rich, but its youthful population suffers mass unemployment, a chronic lack of housing, and widespread poverty. Political corruption is also endemic.

telegraph.co.uk

**Mid** · 13-02-2011, 12:25 PM

youtube.com

**harrybarracuda** · 13-02-2011, 01:04 PM

The King of Bahrain's obviously crapping bricks (The Shi'ites have a "Day of Rage" planned for February 14th):

Bahrain's king has said he will give 1,000 dinars ($2,650) to each Bahraini family, the latest step that the Sunni rulers have taken to appease the majority Shi'ite public before protests planned next week.

Although most analysts do not see any immediate risk of revolt after popular uprisings toppled the leaders of Tunisia and Egypt, the small oil producer is considered the most vulnerable to unrest among Gulf Arab countries.

There have not been any street protests as revolt gripped Tunisia and Egypt, but the Bahraini government has made several concessions in recent weeks, such as higher social spending and offering to release some minors arrested during a security crackdown against some Shi'ite groups last August.

"To praise the tenth anniversary of the National Action Charter and in recognition of the people of Bahrain, His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa will provide the amount of one thousand dinars for each family of Bahrain after adopting necessary legal procedures," a news report of the official Bahrain News Agency said.

Bahrain is one of the few Arab countries where the majority practices Shi'ite Islam. Tensions between the ruling family and the Shi'ite majority population are usually at a low boil, although there were some clashes ahead of election last October.

Bahrain, home to the US Navy's Fifth Fleet, is seen as a bulwark by its allies Saudi Arabia and the US against the regional influence of Shi'ite Iran.

Activists have called for protests on Feb 14, the tenth anniversary of Bahrain's constitution. It is not yet clear how widespread the protests will be, but analysts and diplomats say the Shi'ite opposition group Wefaq will be waiting to see how many concessions the government is prepared to make.

Although Bahrain has a parliamentary system, many Shi'ites feel elections have only served to co-opt them into the political system and did not improve their access to government jobs and services.

**Mid** · 13-02-2011, 01:58 PM

Originally Posted by harrybarracuda

The King of Bahrain's obviously crapping bricks

thanxs for the update harry , earlier thread here

https://teakdoor.com/thailand-and-asi...-take-aim.html (Bahrain : Facebook-powered protesters take aim)

**StrontiumDog** · 17-02-2011, 11:31 AM

BBC News - Algerian founding father urges reform

17 February 2011 Last updated at 00:44 GMT

Algerian founding father urges reform

By Chloe Arnold
BBC News, Algiers

Opposition parties have been staging pro-democracy rallies in the capital
Related Stories

The former leader of Algeria's ruling party has urged the president to respond to unrest across the Arab world by changing his government.

Abdelhamid Mehri said radical change was needed as Algeria approaches 50 years of independence from France.

In a letter addressed to President Abdulaziz Bouteflika, he said the government was no longer capable of addressing the nation's challenges.

Mr Mehri, 84, said that change must come soon.

"The voices calling for a peaceful change of this system are many. This change cannot be postponed any longer," he said.

A former leader of the country's ruling FLN party and one of the founders of the Algerian state, Mr Mehri played a pivotal role in Algeria's bloody struggle for independence.

He helped negotiate the Evian Treaty, ending 130 years of French colonial rule in Algeria.

Inspired by the popular uprisings in Tunisia and Egypt, opposition parties and human rights groups have been staging pro-democracy rallies in the capital.

They say they will march every Saturday until democratic change is introduced.

There has been a heavy police presence at the rallies, and reports of dozens of arrests.

Meanwhile, Algeria's Prime Minister Ahmed Ouyahia has said the government will lift a 19-year state of emergency by the end of the month.

**Pol the Pot** · 17-02-2011, 12:51 PM

While I applaud the citizens of Egypt and Tunisia for their efforts and sacrifices the last word hasn't been said yet. Both countries have now been taken over by their respective militaries.

People seem to be so enthusiastic about these Arab 'revolutions' I wonder when the EU will offer them EU membership.

**StrontiumDog** · 19-02-2011, 08:57 PM

http://english.aljazeera.net//news/m...435427432.html

Algerian police break up protest

Several people are injured and others are arrested as police thwart pro-democracy rally in capital Algiers, reports say.

Last Modified: 19 Feb 2011 13:25 GMT

Large numbers of police were mobilised to try to prevent Saturday's protest from going ahead [Reuters]

Algerian police in riot gear have used batons to break up a crowd of about 50 opposition supporters trying to take part in a protest march inspired by uprisings elsewhere in the Arab world.

Police brandishing clubs, but no firearms, weaved their way through the crowd in central Algiers on Saturday, banging their shields, tackling some protesters and keeping traffic flowing through the planned march route.

The gathering, organised by the Co-ordination for Democratic Change in Algeria (CNCD), comes a week after a similar protest, which organisers said brought an estimated 10,000 people and up to 26,000 riot police onto the streets of the capital. Officials, however, put turnout at the previous rally at 1,500.

The fresh protest comes on the heels of uprisings in neighbouring Tunisia and Egypt that toppled those countries' leaders.

Police presence at Saturday's march was more discrete than the week before, when huge contingents of riot police were deployed throughout the capital the night before the march. On Friday night, by contrast, the capital was calm, with police taking up their positions only on Saturday morning.

Still, by breaking up the crowd, the police managed to turn the planned march into a chaotic rally of small groups.

Arrests

Three people have so far been arrested at May 1 Square, the focal point of protests, according to Elias Filali, a blogger who spoke to Al Jazeera.
Crowds were dispersed by police about two blocks from May 1 Square, where the anti-government protest was scheduled to start at 11:00 am, local time.

Large numbers of police were mobilised to try to prevent Saturday's protest from going ahead. Dozens of police vans and military-style police armoured vehicles were dotted around the capital hours before the demonstration was supposed to begin.

The protesters split into two groups in a courtyard of a residential block, where they were surrounded by about 400 police in helmets and body protection.

A coalition of human rights groups, some trade unionists and a small opposition party are calling for weekly protest marches through the capital. The authorities have refused permission for the marches, citing public order concerns.

Unrest in Algeria could have implications for the world economy since it is a major oil and gas exporter, but analysts say an Egypt-style revolt is unlikely because the government can use its energy wealth to placate most grievances.

About 150 protesters held a protest last Saturday in May 1 Square, but others trying to join them were blocked by a large police presence. Algeria's biggest opposition forces are not taking part in the protest movement.

The CNCD wants the immediate end of the government of Abdelaziz Bouteflika, Algeria's president, citing the same problems of high unemployment, housing and soaring costs that inspired uprisings in Tunisia and Egypt.

**sabang** · 19-02-2011, 09:59 PM

The democracy protests that kicked off in Tunisia have certainly proved to be contagious. Says a lot about the systems of governance in the Arab world, and peoples longstanding disillusionment with this state of affairs. Whether the military tightens it's own grip on power, short term, or whether they herald a transition towards more representative government is still uncertain. As is what sort of reforms the many protests elsewhere will engender.

We should most certainly be welcoming this, if we actually believe in democracy as a sound basis for government. Yet the Editorial tone emerging from the west is that of Worry. Specifically, Worry that the bogeymen 'radical Islamists' will take over. It's also nonsense. So we really only believe in democracy for ourself, it seems.

**DrB0b** · 19-02-2011, 10:13 PM

Originally Posted by Pol the Pot

I wonder when the EU will offer them EU membership.

When they're in Europe. I'm not sure of the speed of continental drift but I reckon it'll be a while yet.

**DrB0b** · 19-02-2011, 10:16 PM

Originally Posted by sabang

We should most certainly be welcoming this, if we actually believe in democracy as a sound basis for government

Surely that depends on how they end up? I certainly welcomed the Egyptian protests, I certainly do not welcome the fact that they've put the army in control. They may or may not be better than Mubarrak but it's still hardly a win for freedom.

That said, let's wait 6 months or a year and see what happens, I'm not confident about any improvements coming along although I would be very happy to be proved wrong.

**Pol the Pot** · 21-02-2011, 02:15 PM

^and ^^.

Agree. It depends on what comes next.

Shah gone, everybody happy, Khomeini comes, everybody unhappy.

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