Ouyahya had warned the opposition against taking to the streets prior to the outbreak of protests against Bouteflika’s re-election. For the Algerian opposition, such statements by Ouyahya are meant to intimidate protesters thirsty for democracy and change. During the era of expensive oil, which ended in 2014, Algeria amassed enough wealth to develop the whole of the continent. The eighty-one-year-old Bouteflika, whose public appearances are a thing of the past, has been in office since April 1999. Le Pouvoir is believed to bring together army and business tycoons with vested interest in the status quo.

Source: The North Africa Journal March 01, 2019 00:00 UTC