Thousands of protesters took to the streets of Algiers on Monday to commemorate the second anniversary of the Hirak movement, on the brink of a full-blown revival after a year of interruption brought about by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
#Algeria 🇩🇿: #Hirak protests are back in full force this Monday. The release of political prisoners has rekindled the protest-spirit with many, resulting in new rallies after almost a year.
This was the city of #TiziOuzou (#Kabylie) pic.twitter.com/FX2OIde35S
— Thomas van Linge (@ThomasVLinge) February 22, 2021
Demonstrations were also staged in other areas across the country — in Annaba, Oran, Béjaïa, Sétif, Bouira, Mostaganem, Constantine, Tizi Ouzou in addition to the capital city where events saw tension with authorities.
Tensions at the Protests
Police forces were deployed in the city centre and barricades were set up on several roads leading to the capital to prevent the activists from advancing towards the Grande Poste — the emblematic meeting place for Hirak. And some forceful arrests were carried out.
Her we go again 🇩🇿❤️ Wee hed khatra vrai maghadich yahbes rbkom #HIRAK_IS_BACK_IN_ALGERIA #Algerie pic.twitter.com/VRCO2HTNSh
— Arrivederci ⛓ (@wahrani_2131) February 22, 2021
Nevertheless, reports on the ground say the demonstrations saw the most impressive procession in the capital since the suspension of the marches in mid-March last year.
The activists emphasised in chants that they showed up — not to celebrate but to demand the departure of the regime they have actively opposed over the last two years.
Context and Background
Launched on February 22 2019, Hirak — a peaceful movement staged by the people, pushed Abdelaziz Bouteflika to resign after a two-decade rule. And its members continue to call for the dismantling of the “system” in place since Algeria’s independence in 1962.
Algerians (#Jijel now) mark the 2nd anniversary of the start of Algeria’s popular protest movement, waving Algerian flags and chanting the usual slogans of the Hirak! 🇩🇿#Hirak #HIRAK_IS_BACK_IN_ALGERIA #February_22nd pic.twitter.com/ENKgSDITs6
— Abdeldjalil Bouzenoun (@Abdeldjalil1) February 22, 2021
Hirak’s anniversary comes after the recent decision of President Tebboune to pardon 60 jailed members — with almost 40 having already been released.
