Following the resignation of President Abdelaziz Bouteflika on April 2, 2019, a comprehensive online survey of over 9,000 Algerians, including 1,700 military personnel, indicated strong public support for the protest movement and a desire for political change. While junior military ranks share common goals with protesters, senior officers exhibit greater reluctance, potentially leading to future conflicts over military privileges and political reform.
On April 2, 2019, Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika resigned, marking him as the fifth Arab leader to be ousted due to widespread civil protests since the Arab Spring began in 2011. The protests that sparked his resignation have persisted, with demonstrators continuing to demand the dismantling of the entire political regime that has existed for decades. In an attempt to gauge public sentiment regarding the ongoing protests and their objectives, we conducted an extensive online survey involving over 9,000 Algerian citizens. This survey notably included a substantial cohort of 1,700 military personnel, which enabled us to draw a comparative analysis between the perspectives of protesters and members of the military. The findings reveal a significant consensus among the Algerian populace in favor of the protest movement, with a predominant desire for a complete overhaul of the existing political framework. Both protesters and non-protesters express profound frustration with systemic corruption, advocating for a shift towards democratic governance. Interestingly, our survey indicates that junior military ranks—including soldiers and lower-ranking officers—largely align with the protesters’ demands for change. In contrast, the senior military officials appear to resist these aspirations. Moving forward, a potential rift may emerge between the protesters and military personnel across various ranks, particularly concerning the retention of political and economic privileges enjoyed by the military since the departure of President Bouteflika. This situation underscores the complex dynamics at play within the country as it navigates its path toward reform and stability.
The political environment in Algeria has been tumultuous, particularly in the wake of the Arab Spring. President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, who had been in power for two decades, faced mounting pressure from civil society and popular protests calling for democratic reforms and an end to corruption. His resignation has not quelled public discontent but has sparked a broader movement for change within the political structure. This milieu serves as the backdrop for our survey, which seeks to illuminate the differing viewpoints between the civilian population and the military—a key player in Algeria’s political landscape.
In conclusion, the survey highlights a significant alignment between the majority of Algerians and the demands of the protest movement, with calls for an end to corruption and an establishment of democratic governance resonating strongly among both civilians and lower-ranking military officials. However, the contrast with senior military officers’ resistance to these changes poses a potential challenge for the future of political reform in Algeria. The implications of this discrepancy may lead to conflicts as the country strives to redefine its governance in the post-Bouteflika era.
Original Source: www.brookings.edu
