Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika’s decision to quit by April 28 “will change nothing” and demonstrations will continue, a protest leader said on Tuesday, indicating popular pressure for more far-reaching political change remains insistent.
Mustapha Bouchachi, a lawyer and activist, was speaking to Reuters as hundreds of students marched in Algiers to demand the immediate resignation of Bouteflika and the replacement of a political system widely seen as incapable of significant reform.
On Monday, bowing to weeks of popular discontent including mass marches and rallies, the veteran ruler announced he would leave before his terms expires at the end of the month.
Bouchachi suggested Bouteflika’s nomination of a caretaker government was a move to perpetuate the political system.
“Bouteflika’s decision (to resign) will change nothing,” Bouchachi said.
“What is important to us is that we do not accept the (new caretaker) government. Peaceful protests will continue.”
His comments, and the peaceful students’ march through central Algiers, indicate Bouteflika’s move had not mollified all pressure for reform built up by weeks of demonstrations seeking an end to his 20-year-old rule.
“We want a regime change” and “We don’t want Bouteflika or Said (his brother and presidential adviser),” the crowd chanted.
The Islamist opposition party, the Movement for the Society of Peace (MSP), also rejected Bouteflika’s move, saying leaving without real reforms was a move to undermine the protesters’ demands.
“This step is made to preserve the political system,” the MSP said in a statement.
Protests have been driven by youth and lawyers demanding the removal of a ruling elite seen by many as out of touch with ordinary Algerians and unable to revive an economy riven by cronyism.