S2 Ep37: Algeria's popular movement - the Hirak: A Conversation with Brahim Rouabah

State of Power

Since February 2019 (2 years ago), the people of Algeria have waged an inspiring and historic revolt. Millions took to the streets united in their rejection of the ruling system, demanding radical democratic change. They chanted ‘They must all go!’ and ‘The country is ours and we’ll do what we wish’ – two slogans that have become emblematic of this new Algerian revolution. The popular movement or Hirak (movement in Arabic) succeeded in overthrowing President Abdelaziz Bouteflika in early April 2019 after six weeks of protests. The weekly protests continued every Friday since and only in March 2020, with the Covid-19 pandemic forcing a lockdown, did this mass movement see a temporary halt of around 10 months. But the Hirak has come back and it resumed its weekly protests against the military dictatorship.

To talk about all of this and give some analysis about the motivations, objectives, challenges and the horizons of the uprising in Algeria, our guest Brahim Rouabah agreed to chat to us.