In Algeria, after Friday prayers, people across the country took to the streets to protest against President Abdelaziz Bouteflika. The demonstrations were directed against a fifth term of the injured ruler. The police broke up a demonstration in the capital Algiers with water cannons and tear gas. Bouteflika had recently announced that it would re-appear in the presidential election in mid-April.

Despite an official ban on demonstrations, thousands took to the streets in both Algiers and other cities. Videos from various cities in Algeria showing the protests surfaced on the internet. People chanted: "The people want a change of system" and "No to a fifth term". The security forces had already cordoned off a central square in the center of Algiers in the morning. Nevertheless, the demonstrators managed to march towards the Presidential Palace.

There were clashes between the police and the demonstrators, according to local media. The police used tear gas, water cannon and batons, and after eyewitness reports, resolved the demonstration on Friday night. After the demonstrators were pushed back, they threw stones and other missiles at the security forces blocking the access roads to the presidential palace.

Bouteflika before fifth term

Only two weeks ago, 81-year-old President Bouteflika announced he would run for a fifth term in the mid-April elections. Since then, there are always protests. Bouteflika sits in a wheelchair after a stroke in 2013 and rarely appears in public. He had been elected president in 1999 as a candidate of the military.

Several opposition parties had met in the past week to set up a common counter-candidate. However, they could not agree on one person.

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Power struggle in Algeria: who rules in Algiers?

The protesters also demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Ahmed Ouyahia. For Sunday protests are announced again. Actually Bouteflika should have inaugurated the new Great Mosque of Algiers on this day. However, according to the presidential office, Bouteflika will travel to Geneva for a "regular medical check-up".