Algerians want total change of structure after Bouteflika

 

Algerians want total change of structure after Bouteflika

Ailing Algerian long-time ruler, Abdulazeez Bouteflika, has resigned after 27 years on office, following protracted protests by the youthful generation of the country. But the youths are not yet satisfied. They want all imprints of Bouteflika uprooted and a new structure enthroned in Algeria.

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Thousands of protesters are again taking to the streets in Algeria demanding a complete overhaul of the country’s political structure.

It’s the seventh successive Friday that anti-government demonstrations have taken place. Earlier on Friday, the head of intelligence was reportedly sacked.

A caretaker government is currently in place, but opposition leaders have refused to negotiate for now, saying they will only be satisfied with radical change

“We are tired of this regime, they have robbed us. We’ve had enough of that,” an emotional young woman tells BBC.

“Nearly half of the population is under 30, many of whom are unemployed and having to live in poor conditions.

But I have also seen Algerians from older generations taking part in the protests. Everybody here wants a change.

They are sending a clear message: “A new phase with new faces”. They tell me the don’t trust anyone associated with the Bouteflika era.

The mood is full of enthusiasm and energy but the people here take pride in the peaceful nature of the protests.

They have been emboldened by their success in unseating the president and now believe the same can happen with his entourage.