Algerian military considering all options to end crisis

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Algeria's army chief said on Tuesday the military was considering all options to resolve the national political crisis and warned "time is running out," after weeks of anti-government protests.

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Lieutenant-General Ahmed Gaed Salah's remarks were the strongest indication yet that the military, which has said it supports a transition period after the April 2 resignation of President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, is losing patience.

In a speech broadcast on state television, Salah, speaking at a military base in the central town of Ouargla, urged protesters who have been gathering since February 22 to avoid violence.

"All options are open in the pursuit of overcoming the different difficulties and finding a solution to the crisis as soon as possible, in a way that serves our nation's interests without regard to individual interests," he said.

People take part in a protest against Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika seeking a fifth term in a presidential election set for April 18, in Tunis, Tunisia, March 9, 2019. /Reuters

Salah did not specify what measures the army could take. But he said: "We have no ambition but to protect our nation." The army patiently monitored the mostly peaceful protests that sometimes swelled to hundreds of thousands of people.

But Salah intervened when Bouteflika sought to extend his fourth term, declaring him unfit for office in a bid to avoid prolonged turmoil.

Parliament named an interim president and a July 4 election date was set in a transition the army said it would support.

"The army's leadership does not take any decision that does not serve the country and the people," said Salah, adding that some parties were not happy with the "peaceful protests."

(Cover: Algerians take part in a protest seeking the departure of the ruling elite in Algiers, Algeria, April 16, 2019. /Reuters Photo)

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Source(s): Reuters