Algerian Authorities Warn of Greater Social, Economic Hardships in 2018

Algeria Prime Minister Ahmed Ouyahia. (AFP)
Algeria Prime Minister Ahmed Ouyahia. (AFP)
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Algerian Authorities Warn of Greater Social, Economic Hardships in 2018

Algeria Prime Minister Ahmed Ouyahia. (AFP)
Algeria Prime Minister Ahmed Ouyahia. (AFP)

The “work plan” of Prime Minister Ahmed Ouyahia is expected to garner wide support at parliament where it will be up for a vote on Sunday, predicted observers of the political situation in the North African country.

The premier's document acknowledges that the Algeria people will face difficulties in 2018 due to the lack of financial resources.

Islamist lawmakers announced that they will oppose the plan that was drafted during President Abdelaziz Bouteflika’s fourth term in office. Their influence will be however limited at parliament because they are in the minority.

Ouyahia’s plan expresses government skepticism about the possibility of improving the country's income from the selling of fuel during the next two years, revealed a copy of the document obtained by Asharq Al-Awsat.

This has prompted the PM to voice his intention to amend the loan law through printing more hard currency.

The possibility to obtain a loan from the Central Bank has not been ruled out.

Economic and financial experts predicted that this step will create great inflation and spark a rise in the majority of products, which will ultimately keep the deficit as it is.

Furthermore, a local newspaper reported Ouyahia as saying that should the Central Bank fail to print more hard cash, the government may not have the sufficient funds to pay the salaries of employees for November.



Sudanese Army Airstrikes Kill Dozens in Darfur

Smoke rises in the sky over Khartoum following armed clashes that left dozens dead and injured (AFP)
Smoke rises in the sky over Khartoum following armed clashes that left dozens dead and injured (AFP)
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Sudanese Army Airstrikes Kill Dozens in Darfur

Smoke rises in the sky over Khartoum following armed clashes that left dozens dead and injured (AFP)
Smoke rises in the sky over Khartoum following armed clashes that left dozens dead and injured (AFP)

More than 60 people have been killed and over 250 injured in airstrikes by the Sudanese military on the town of Kouma in North Darfur. This incident is being described by observers as one of the “largest massacres” of civilians since the conflict began.

Dozens more have died in separate attacks targeting the areas of Meilit, Wad Abu Saleh, and Um Duwain in Khartoum, with increasing calls for a ban on military flights by the Sudanese army.

Witnesses told Asharq Al-Awsat that the military targeted Kouma’s market on Friday morning, dropping explosive barrels that caused widespread destruction. Many victims were shopping at the bustling “Friday market,” and the death toll is expected to rise due to a lack of medical care for the injured.

The attacks are viewed as deliberate assaults on civilians, particularly since there were no Rapid Support Forces (RSF) present in the crowded market. Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with bodies scattered throughout the area.

In Meilit, airstrikes also targeted a wedding celebration, killing about 13 people and injuring others. Activists and eyewitnesses deny the presence of the RSF in these locations, despite military claims that air operations are directed at them.

Political and human rights groups have condemned the escalating airstrikes and called for an immediate ban on military flights in Darfur.

The Civil Democratic Forces Coordination (Tagadum) stated that the Kouma market attack was a severe violation against civilians, resulting in numerous deaths and injuries.

The group expressed concern about ongoing violations against civilians in Sudan and highlighted the need for international attention to protect innocent lives. They urged the warring parties to cease hostilities and engage in negotiations to end the conflict.