High Anxiety in North Africa. In Algeria, during violent protests against the high cost of living and rampant unemployment, in an atmosphere of growing anger and frustration of the weakest sectors of the population. In the capital Algiers today has triggered a fierce battle between police and protesters.The clashes come after those of recent days in Tunisia, also caused by the price of basic necessities. And after the attacks against the Coptic Christians in Egypt took place on December 31. In Algeria, the protest began on Tuesday with violent demonstrations. Cops in riot gear with tear gas and batons, are deployed in the most sensitive of the capital, especially near mosques.
People in the Belcourt district, protest and clashes exploded once again after Friday prayers in the mosque. Young protesters have targeted agents with the launch of stones and blocked access to certain streets. According to the official news agency APA, the demonstrators in last night ransacked government buildings, banks and post offices "in several cities, including Constantine, Setif and Bouira.
"In Ras El Oued the violence erupted again this morning - writes Apa - were severely damaged public buildings, including the headquarters of Sonelgaz (the state gas company, ed), the council, 's authority for the fees and other schools. " Following the violent protests, the National Football League has decided to cancel all football league matches scheduled for this weekend (Friday and Saturday).
The protests erupted after that, in recent months, the cost of goods such as flour and oil has doubled to record levels. A kg of sugar, that only a few months ago it cost 70 dinars (about 25 euro cents), now costs 150 dinars. To trigger the anger is also the problem of unemployment which, if based on official statistics was 10 percent, according to the independent bodies close to 25 percent.
To quell the revolt the Algerian Ministry of Commerce announced that it will abolish the tax introduced on food consumption is high. The measure taken by the government should bring the food prices to the levels of the past and put an end to the popular uprisings of recent days. The Foreign Ministry recommends particular caution when traveling within the main cities of Algiers and Algeria.
On the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs 'Travel Safe' places are advised to avoid any demonstrations and protest gatherings and to keep informed through the media on the evolving situation.
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