Algerian opposition, teachers keep up the pressure on Bouteflika

Algerian opposition leaders found rare common ground Wednesday and called for continued mass protests against President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, accusing him of flouting the constitution to cling to power.

Meanwhile, teachers took to the streets to keep up pressure on the longtime president, as political uncertainty grips this gas-rich North African country. The 82-year-old Bouteflika this week abandoned plans to seek a fifth term, but he also canceled next month’s presidential election without setting a new date.

A broad swath of opposition figures met Wednesday at the headquarters of the Islamist party El Adala and issued a statement saying: “At this historic, decisive moment, the Algerian opposition is at the side of the people.”

They called the election delay unconstitutional, and appealed for the unprecedented revolt against the ailing Bouteflika to continue. Nationwide, potentially decisive protests are expected Friday, after millions have come to the streets in recent weeks.

Algerians have barely seen their president since he suffered a stroke in 2013, and question his fitness for office. Protesters are also angry about corruption and secrecy in Algeria’s power structure.

Wednesday’s opposition gathering included prominent Islamists and rival secular parties, two former prime ministers and others who have served in Bouteflika’s governments but have since turned against the country’s leadership.

However it didn’t include all opposition forces, and overall the opposition has failed to come together around a single figure seen as a viable alternative to Bouteflika.

Meanwhile, teachers protested Wednesday outside the central post office in Algiers, and Algerian media reported teachers’ protests in other cities too.

The demonstrators demanded that Bouteflika step down now, or at the latest when his current term ends next month.

Bouteflika returned Sunday from two weeks in a Geneva hospital. A fighter in Algeria’s war for independence from France, he is notably appreciated for reconciling his deeply damaged nation after a decade-long Islamic insurgency in the 1990s left some 200,000 dead.

(AP)/ FRANCE24