The year 2020 has been a year full of all sorts of events and activities. From the onset of the coronavirus pandemic to the protests on black lives matter. Apparently, that hasn’t been the only protest ongoing during this season. In as much as crowds increase the number of infections, this has not hindered people from going to the streets and making a demand for their rights. And Algiers has followed suit. On Monday Algeria launched its protests towards the ruling military and expressing their need for independence.
Algiers Protests in the middle of a pandemic
The protests had already commenced earlier into the year, before being halted by the pandemic. However, with the current eased up restrictions on the virus, Algerians are about to pick up from where they left. About 400 to 500 protestors were witnessed in the streets of Algiers on Monday pleading for a democratic change in their country.
The release of 60 members of the Hirak anti-government, seems to top their lists of wants. In the midst of all these disruptions, the country is having a constitutional referendum at the end of the month. According to Mohammed, a 37- year old citizen of the country, allowing the constitution to be passed will be the greatest mistake for the country.
Algerians remain adamant and hopeful that their protests will grant them the freedom they so long crave for. With the aim of putting an end to the prevailing military state and bringing in a new dawn of civility. The resilience and will power of the people is greatly expressed by Ali, a 41-year old protestor too. Ali affirms that the only way the protests will come to an end is when the reigning regime steps down.
1988 Pro-democracy protest anniversary
History is re-writing itself all over again. In the same month of October 1988, protests were held that led to the declaration of a state of emergency in the country. Achieving a political reform that put an end to the single-party system came at a hard-earned price. Fatalities that amounted to hundreds of citizens were later accounted for.
Cases in past days
This year, so far 20 people have been arrested. The government is still pushing on with the plans on the constitutional referendum. It is hopeful and confident that this vote will help meet the protester’s demands. Meanwhile, the people seem to have the final say, and all they want now is a democratic republic.
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