Algiers, March 13, 2019 – Hundreds of school teachers and students protested in the Algerian capital on Wednesday amid fears that President Abdelaziz Bouteflika plans to extend his two-decade rule. In a surprise announcement Monday, the ailing 82-year-old said he would not stand for a fifth term — but also cancelled next month’s presidential election. After initial celebration following Bouteflika’s announcement, protesters returned to the streets of the capital Tuesday, accusing the 82-year-old of “tricks”. On Wednesday, an AFP correspondent saw middle and high school teachers protesting alongside their students in central Algiers. “It’s important that we teachers mobilise,” said Driss, a teacher at a high school in the Algerian capital.

Source: The North Africa Journal March 13, 2019 12:56 UTC