Belgium/France: Protests over Bouteflika candidacy in Brussels and Lyon Mar. 2

Event

Members of the Algerian diaspora in Belgium organized a protest in front of the Algerian Embassy in Brussels on Saturday, March 2, denouncing Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika's campaign for a fifth term in office. The protest was slated to begin at 13:00 (local time). A similar protest was held in front of the Algerian Consulate in Lyon on Saturday, with nearly 150 people demonstrating amid a heightened security presence.

Related protests are possible in Belgium and France over the coming days and weeks. Increased security measures and localized traffic disruptions are to be expected around demonstration sites.

Context

The protests were organized in response to President Abdelaziz Bouteflika's campaign to be reelected for a fifth term; presidential elections are set for April 18. In early February, the ruling National Liberation Front (FLN) officially nominated Bouteflika as their candidate.

Bouteflika has been in power since 1999. There is widespread discontent with Bouteflika's economic policies, lack of public appearances following a stroke in 2013, and repression of speech. Public demonstrations in Algeria, banned since 2001, are usually rare and are often met with a heavy security presence.

Advice

Individuals in Belgium and France are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.