The Peaceful Revolution
On February 22, 2019, millions of Algerians launched the Hirak (Movement)—a sustained peaceful uprising demanding democratic transformation and the removal of the ruling elite. The catalyst was ailing President Abdelaziz Bouteflika’s announcement of a fifth term bid after 20 years in power, but protesters’ ambitions extended far beyond one man: they sought dismantling the entire military-backed “Le Pouvoir” (The Power) system governing Algeria since independence.
Fridays of Dignity
Every Friday for over a year, Algerians flooded streets in staggering numbers—sometimes exceeding 10 million nationwide in a country of 43 million. The protests showcased remarkable discipline: nonviolent, ecumenical, with protesters cleaning streets after demonstrations, protecting public property, and organizing self-policing.
Women participated prominently, students organized university strikes, and Algerian diaspora held solidarity protests globally. Creativity flourished: clever placards (“Game over Boutef,” “System.exe has stopped working”), street art, and chants demanding “Yetnahaw ga3” (They all must go)—rejecting not just Bouteflika but the entire post-independence National Liberation Front (FLN) apparatus.
Bouteflika’s Fall and Continued Struggle
On April 2, 2019, after massive military pressure, Bouteflika resigned. Protesters celebrated but continued marching, recognizing that “Le Pouvoir” remained intact with Army Chief of Staff Ahmed Gaid Salah effectively running a soft coup.
Demonstrations demanded civilian rule, constitutional reforms, prosecution of corruption, and release of political prisoners. The regime responded with selective arrests—targeting activists, journalists, and protest organizers—while promising elections and reforms.
Military Reassertion and COVID Pause
In December 2019, Algeria held presidential elections boycotted by Hirak, with Abdelmadjid Tebboune—former Bouteflika prime minister—winning amid record-low 40% turnout. Protesters rejected him as regime continuity.
The COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020 halted weekly demonstrations, giving authorities cover to arrest dozens of activists and journalists. When protests resumed sporadically in 2021, security forces deployed heavy-handed tactics: mass arrests, beatings, and prosecutions under vague “harming national unity” charges.
By 2022, sustained repression and exhaustion fragmented the movement. Over 200 Hirak-related political prisoners remained jailed. The regime released some activists while maintaining systematic harassment of civil society.
The Hirak demonstrated Algerians’ rejection of authoritarianism and corrupt elite impunity, achieving Bouteflika’s ouster and forcing regime concessions. However, fundamental power structures—military dominance, corruption networks, limited freedoms—persisted. The movement remains dormant but not defeated, having permanently shifted discourse about governance legitimacy.
Sources:
Al Jazeera, BBC Arabic, Middle East Eye, Le Monde, The Guardian, Human Rights Watch