Protests in Algeria over President Abdelaziz Bouteflika’s decision to seek re-election are now in their third week. Bouteflika, who is 82 and has already ruled the country for 20 years, is currently in a hospital in Switzerland and has been in poor health since a 2013 stroke that left him paralyzed and near-mute. His promise not to run in future election has not satisfied protesters and has led to speculation as to whether the outcome of the April elections has already been preordained.
Train, bus, and metro services have been halted in the capital city of Algiers in anticipation of massive protests this weekend. Several lawmakers of the dominant FLN party have resigned and taken the side of the protesters. The Algerian military has promised to maintain security and stability in the country but has not stated what course of action it will take.
