US, EU support protests against Bouteflika

US, EU support protests against Bouteflika

 

Algeria: US, EU support protests against Bouteflika

Amidst mass protest in Algeria, asking President Abdelaziz Bouteflika step down, the United States and the European Union have voiced support for tens of thousands of demonstrators.

President Bouteflika, who is 82-year-old and very ill, plans to seek a fifth term as president next month.

A US State Department spokesman Robert Palladino said the Algerian people had the right to peaceful assembly.

The European Commission spokeswoman Maja Kocijancic said the EU expected Algerians to be allowed to exercise their constitutional rights.

The head of the Algerian army, General Ahmed Gaid Salah, has warned that the military will not allow security to break down.

ALSO READ: Huge protests in Algeria as President Bouteflika eyes 5th term

Editorial Chief, Nigerian Bureau

Kings UBA is a Nigerian journalist and writer. I have reported for major local and international news organisations. I write satire. In 2017, I started contributing stories primarily to Discover Africa News Network. I can be reached on editorkingsuba@gmail.com. I currently manage Discover Africa News social media handles