Algerian President Bouteflika resigned on April 2, 2019, following widespread protests demanding political change. An online survey of over 9,000 citizens and 1,700 military personnel showed majority support for the protests and a call for a complete overhaul of the political system. While lower military ranks support the protesters, senior officers are more resistant, indicating potential conflicts over military privileges in the post-Bouteflika era.
On April 2, 2019, Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika announced his resignation amidst widespread protests, marking a significant moment as he became the fifth Arab leader to be ousted by public demonstrations since the onset of the Arab Spring in 2011. In the aftermath of his resignation, protests continued unabated, with demonstrators demanding the dismantling of the entire political regime. To better understand the sentiments surrounding these protests, we conducted a comprehensive online survey involving over 9,000 Algerians, assessing their views on the ongoing protests and their aspirations for political reform. Notably, our survey included a substantial group of 1,700 military personnel, facilitating a comparative analysis between the views of civilians and those within the armed forces. The findings revealed a predominant sense of support for the protest movement among Algerians, with a clear desire for an overhaul of the current political system. Participants in the survey expressed widespread resentment towards systemic corruption, with an overwhelming preference for a transition towards a democratic government. Furthermore, insights from military personnel indicated that lower-ranking soldiers and junior officers largely resonated with the demands of the protesters. However, it was notable that senior military officers exhibited a more resistant attitude towards the changes being sought by civilians. Looking ahead, it appears that tensions may arise between the protesters and military personnel across all ranks, particularly in relation to the political and economic privileges that the military has historically maintained in the post-Bouteflika era. As the situation evolves, it is imperative to observe how these conflicts develop in the quest for political reform in Algeria.
The political climate in Algeria has been marred by challenges of governance and corruption, leading to significant public discontent. Protests initiated in February 2019, culminating in the resignation of President Bouteflika, have sparked a renewed call for democracy and structural political changes. Given the military’s historical role in Algerian politics, understanding the perspectives of military personnel becomes crucial in forecasting potential outcomes in the ongoing protests and calls for reforms.
The survey indicates a strong alignment among the Algerian populace towards necessary political reforms and heightened accountability from the government. Nonetheless, the divergence of views among military ranks poses a potential hurdle for the protest movement. The continuing clash over the military’s established privileges, juxtaposed with the citizens’ demands for democracy, may define future engagements as Algeria navigates this transformative period in its history.
Original Source: www.brookings.edu
