Algeria’s Uprising: An In-Depth Survey of Protester and Military Perspectives
On April 2, 2019, Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika resigned amid widespread protests. A survey of over 9,000 Algerians revealed strong support for a political transformation with a majority desiring an end to corruption and a shift towards democracy. Comparatively, junior military personnel largely align with protestors, while senior officers are more resistant, indicating potential future conflicts regarding military privileges post-Bouteflika.
On April 2, 2019, the political landscape of Algeria underwent a significant transformation with the resignation of President Abdelaziz Bouteflika. This marked yet another instance of an Arab leader toppling under the weight of mass protests, a trend observable since the uprisings that began in 2011. Despite Bouteflika’s departure, demonstrators have persisted in their outcry, demanding a complete overhaul of the entrenched regime that has governed Algeria for decades. In an effort to assess the sentiments of the populace regarding the ongoing unrest, we conducted an extensive online survey encompassing over 9,000 Algerian citizens. This survey not only evaluated the general attitudes toward the protests but also aimed to uncover the aspirations driving these demonstrations. Notably, the survey included a substantial segment of 1,700 military personnel, enabling a comparative analysis of their perspectives against those of the civilian protesters. The findings from this survey reveal a strong consensus among the Algerian populace in favor of the protest movement, with a predominant desire for a comprehensive restructuring of the political system. Both demonstrators and non-participants express disillusionment with corruption and a collective yearning for a transition towards democratic governance. Interestingly, there appears to be an alignment of views between the junior ranks of the military—comprising soldiers and lower-tier officers—and the protesters regarding these critical demands. However, a clear divergence emerges in the stance of senior military officers, who exhibit a greater reluctance to endorse the calls for change. As the situation unfolds, it is anticipated that tensions may escalate between the protesters and military personnel at all levels, particularly concerning the military’s sustained political and economic privileges in the aftermath of Bouteflika’s resignation. This dynamic underscores the complexities of Algeria’s political landscape as it grapples with the demands of a populace eager for reform juxtaposed against the vested interests of the military establishment.
The protests in Algeria, which began in February 2019, are part of a broader movement for change in the Arab world, reminiscent of previous uprisings that challenged long-standing authoritarian regimes. The resignation of President Bouteflika was seen as a critical victory for the protesters. However, the continuation of demonstrations beyond his resignation highlights a deep-rooted discontent among Algerians concerning systemic corruption and a lack of democratic governance. The dual focus of the survey on both the civilian population and military personnel offers valuable insights into the impending challenges the country may face in the pursuit of genuine political reform and stability.
In conclusion, the mass protests in Algeria signify a pivotal moment in the nation’s quest for democratic change. The overwhelming support for the protests among both civilians and junior military ranks emphasizes a widespread desire for accountability and the end of corruption. However, the resistance from senior military officials raises concerns about the potential conflict between the protesters and the military establishment as the country navigates this transition. Understanding these dynamics will be essential for any future efforts aimed at establishing a sustainable and democratic political framework in Algeria.
Original Source: www.brookings.edu
