Based on the massive turnout over the last few days, it’s no longer a matter of debate; Algeria is in the midst of an uprising against Bouteflika and the Algerian deep state.
Arab regimes are often very bad at gauging the popular mood. For years, we have advocated paying attention to protest signs in the MENA region as a window into the grievances, aspirations, and values of the protestors – and how they’re likely to act as events unfold.
Here are some of the best signs we’ve seen:
The Demands are Radical: Native Regime Change
The people feel empowered, and want a system centred around them
Absolute rejection of a 5th term for Bouteflika – his time is up
Absolute rejection of a 5th term for Bouteflika – his time is up “I’m a doctor, and I declare that he’s not fit [for a 5th term]” “Leave! You’ve still been around since the first iPhone, until the iPhone 8.” You’re outdated, basically. “I want [a lover] like Bouteflika; the more I ask him to leave, the more he clings on to me” “Your available [life] balance is not enough to complete this [term]” - a play on the message sent by cell phone carriers when one doesn’t have enough balance to complete a call. Reference to Bouteflika’s age and bad health. “Chuck Norris Disapproves of the 5th term” “Maybe the will understand it backwards: No to a 5th term” – the latter is printed backwards. Master Yoda out demonstrating in Algiers: “5th term you shall not have. with the people, the force is” “My hands hurt holding this sign, leave!” “He can’t [even] control his bladder, yet he wants to control a country” A play on Marlboro: “You’re in deep shit. Health advisory: your regime is a serious threat to our health” From Tamanrasit in the Algerian Sahara - “Where’s The President? I Don’t See Him!” I have no idea what the Chinese on that sign says, but the Arabic is “No to a 5th Term” [for Bouteflika] After Bouteflika’s letter to Algerians, the response in 6 letters: “Buzz off!” (the French word Dégage is 6 letters)
No faith in the regime, its establishments, or its symbols
“The government piss on us and the media tells us it’s raining” - a sign capturing the regional zeitgeist. Most media in Algeria is unfree, either controlled by the State or by pro-regime tycoons. The rejection of Bouteflika running for a 5th terms isn’t only about him, but regime pillars like Prime Minister Ahmed Ouyahia “O regime, enough theft or we will tell the police”, shown to a policeman. Joe Dalton from the Belgian comics book Lucky Luke makes an appearance. The sign is calling for pro-regime cronies to be put in jail as they’re seen as bandits. “Catchir me if you can” – meaning “bribe me if you can”. Catchir is Algerian-made sausage brand, and is used as a reference to Bouteflika loyalists. “The people is connected, the regime is disconnected” - Wi-Fi as a metaphor for Algeria. “The people need a non-stick presidential chair so that the new president doesn’t get stuck to it “ The vexing untranslatable “toz” makes an appearance here - roughly: “Yes we can – sod off, you can’t”. The latter is directed at the regime. Although the dates are wrong, the symbolism is powerful: “The FLN, born 1963, Deceased 2019” — A reference to Algeria’s National Liberation Front, whose elites have ruled since the independence. “The Algerian Constitution (Word File), The US Constitution (PDF File)”. A reference to how the Algerian constitution, unlike the American one, is very easily editable. The protester would rather have a constitution that’s not readily amended by the rulers for personal gain.
Warnings against protests as being “disobedience of the ruler” by regime-aligned Islamic clerics are falling flat
Warnings against protests as being “disobedience of the ruler” by regime-aligned Islamic clerics are falling flat : “We’re not rebelling against the ruler, we’re looking for a ruler” - an Arabic wordplay on the Islamic concept of khorouj or sedition. “This isn’t Fitna (sedition), this is being smart” another clever Arabic wordplay.
Disenfranchised youth are finding their voice and want to be heard
Disenfranchised youth are finding their voice and want to be heard: “I am 30: [I lived through] 10 years of terrorism, and 20 of Bouteflika” - A reference to the civil war in the 90’s. “For the first time, I don’t feel like leaving my Algeria” – reference to Algerian youths aspiring to emigrate to Europe, because they see no future in Algeria An Algerian dialect word play on emigrating which roughly translates to: “We’re not emigrating but will stick around and fight” - a reference to the youth immigrating illegally to Europe to seek a better life. Freddie Mercury was out today with an “Algerian Rhapsody” - from an Algiers demonstration A real sentiment of patriotism and pride – the people feel empowered, and are assuming ownership of their own country and its destiny : “Algeria isn’t a monarchy” - on Bouteflika seeking a 5th term. “Had I wanted to be ****ed by the government, I’d have elected Brad Pitt, not Bouteflika”
A real sentiment of patriotism and pride – the people feel empowered, and are assuming ownership of their own country and its destiny
“The People Is The Source of Any [Government] Power” – a phrase included in many Arab constitutions, but rarely ever implemented. “People 2 - Regime 0” - By Hic “Exam duration: 20 years. Result: F, Graded by: The Algerian People” “You Don’t Own Algeria” “Algeria is not a monarchy.” (MEE/Mohamed Kaouche) “Historical Peaceful March” – a reference to protesters and riot police taking selfies together
And as we’ve seen elsewhere – expressions of solidarity with the struggle of other Arab nations against tyranny
Rejecting Foreign Intervention, asserting the native nature of the uprising
Rejecting Foreign Intervention, asserting the native nature of the uprising: “Dear USA, there’s no oil left, unless you want olive oil” “No to foreign intervention, this is a family matter”
The sentiment that Algerians are fighting a second battle for national liberation – the first being the struggle again French colonialism
The sentiment that Algerians are fighting a second battle for national liberation – the first being the struggle again French colonialism: “No to the military junta. No to the politico-financial mafia. No to Islamists. Yes to a state based on civic rights”. The power of symbols: “Bouteflika if you ever leave this world, avoid Colonel Amirouche in the afterlife” - invoking one of the Algerian national liberation heroes killed fighting French colonization. The power of symbols again: “O martyr of the revolution, rest [in peace] - today’s generation will continue the struggle” — again talking about the heroes of national liberation from colonization.
Bonus: Some English translations of Algerian protest songs are available here.
The power of symbols: Take in all of the above, and you’ll understand how the protesters have already won the battle of narratives. This is a genuine patriotic reform movement, 100% made in Algeria. That’s why the Algerian regime is so cornered, and close to panicking.
