Algeria's Bouteflika to leave within one year if re-electedPeople protest against President Abdelaziz Bouteflika's plan to extend his 20-year rule by seeking a fifth term in April elections, in Algiers downtown, Algeria, March 3, 2019. “I listened and heard the passionate call from the protesters, especially the thousands of young people,” Bouteflika wrote, repeating a pledge to hold a referendum on constitutional reform. Analysts say the protesters lack leadership and organization in a country still dominated by veterans of the 1954-1962 independence war against France, including Bouteflika. But traditionally weak and divided opposition and civic groups have called for protests to go on should Bouteflika continue to pursue re-election. There were also protests in cities such as Oran, Constantine and Skikda during the day, some cities of which saw new demonstrations at night.

Source: Standard Digital March 03, 2019 23:37 UTC