The resignation of President Abdelaziz Bouteflika in April 2019 ignited ongoing protests in Algeria demanding regime change. A survey of over 9,000 citizens and 1,700 military personnel reveals strong support among the populace for democratization and dissatisfaction with corruption, with distinct attitudes observed between junior and senior military ranks regarding the protests.
On April 2, 2019, President Abdelaziz Bouteflika of Algeria announced his resignation, marking his withdrawal from political office after weeks of widespread protests. This event made him the fifth Arab president to succumb to mass uprisings since the onset of the Arab Spring in 2011. Following his resignation, protests persisted, demanding not only the departure of Bouteflika but a total overhaul of the governing regime itself. In response to these developments, we conducted an extensive online survey involving over 9,000 Algerian citizens to assess their perspectives on the protests and to identify their overarching objectives. This study also included a significant subset of 1,700 military personnel, facilitating a comparative analysis of attitudes between protesters and the military.
Algeria has a historical context of political unrest, with citizens increasingly vocalizing their dissatisfaction with systemic corruption, economic struggles, and an authoritarian political framework. The recent protests are part of a broader regional pattern where citizens have risen against longstanding leaders. President Bouteflika, who had been in power for 20 years, faced mounting pressure as public discontent grew, ultimately leading to his resignation. The survey conducted provides insight into the nation’s sentiment towards governance and the role of the military in post-Bouteflika Algeria, highlighting a notable divide between junior military ranks and senior officials regarding support for the protests.
The survey indicates a significant consensus among Algerians, advocating for a comprehensive change in governance, fueled by widespread frustrations toward corruption and calls for democratic reforms. The alignment in sentiments between the lower ranks of the military and the protesters presents a complex dynamic, suggesting potential conflicts with higher-ranking officials who maintain political and economic privileges. As Algeria navigates its political future post-Bouteflika, these findings underscore the necessity for careful consideration of both civilian and military perspectives in shaping the nation’s democratic transition.
Original Source: www.brookings.edu
