Algeria’s President, Abdelaziz Bouteflika is coming under intense pressure to exit power and not partake in next month’s presidential election.
The 82-year old leader on Sunday defied protests from citizens urging him not to contest April’s election.
Bouteflika is confined to the wheel-chair but is seeking a fifth term refusing to quit.
His papers for the election have already been submitted by his campaign manager since he himself is undergoing medical treatment in Switzerland.
Weeks of protests across the North African nation for him to rescind his decision to file to contest failed to make any impact.
But on Tuesday fresh protests broke out with protesters this time round asking the Algerian leader to step down immediately.
Letter to Algerians
Bouteflika had said in a letter to Algerians that should he win the April election, he will put together an “inclusive national conference”.
That will be followed by a vote to determine the next president, he said.
The letter was read on national television following the weekend’s protests.
Mr Bouteflika said “I listened and heard the heartfelt cry of protesters and in particular of the thousands of youth who asked me about the future of our country.
These youth express an understandable concern about the uncertainties they face. I have the duty and will to appease the hearts and spirits of my compatriots.”
#Algeria ??: impression of the anti-#Bouteflika protest in the capital #Algiers.#لا_للعهدة_الخامسة pic.twitter.com/l9TQAmbJpw
— Thomas van Linge (@ThomasVLinge) March 5, 2019
Exit calls
At Tuesday’s protests, some posters had inscriptions such as “Game over”, “System – go away”.
Protests have broken out across major cities apart from the capital Algiers.
There are reports of protests in cities like Constantine, Annaba and Blida.
Thousands of protesters say Bouteflika must give up power now.
Bouteflika reportedly suffered stroke in 2013 and hardly makes public appearances. He has been in power for 20 years now.
Despite not in good health he is bent on securing another term, with opposition parties doubting whether he is fully in charge of affairs.
Bouteflika is leading a rich oil and gas-exporting country.
The Algerian leader isn’t the oldest president world leader though but his critics say his health condition makes it tough for him to carry out his duties.
Source: Africafeeds.com
