Around 400 Algerians joined a lively protest in Trafalgar Square on 16 March in solidarity with the mass movement in Algeria which is demanding an end to Bouteflika’s rule. Waving flags and chanting, the protesters gathered in front of the National Gallery. “Dear USA, there is no oil left so stay away unless you want olive oil”, read one handmade placard.
Middle East Solidarity spoke to Kamal, one of the activists involved in the protest. “We came today to demand the president to step down,” he told us. “Bouteflika has been ruling the country for 20 years and people are fed up. He is 82 years old now, and wasn’t even seen in the public for the last 5 years. When he gives a speech, we can only hear his voice speaking from a still picture. He is unable and not fit to rule this country. During his rule, everything became corrupt. Bouteflika and his gang are only looking after their own pockets. Algeria is a rich country in oil and natural resources. But no one in Algeria knows where the money from these resources goes to. The country’s wealth is being stolen by these thieves. So we demand that the president should step down and make way for the Algerian people. This is what we want.”
What you can do:
- Join the next solidarity protest, 1pm, Saturday 23 March, Trafalgar Square
MENA Solidarity Network 