Tension in Algeria between protesters and the army has peaked, especially after the military leadership accused activists of “implementing a Zionist scheme against Algeria.”
Observers expect tight security measures on Friday, three weeks after the resumption of demonstrations after a halt caused by a coronavirus lockdown imposed by the government in March 2020.
In its March edition, the military magazine published an article in which it expressed strong indignation and opposition to slogans raised in the latest protest movement, known as Hirak.
It highlighted the slogans demanding a civil state and rejecting a military state, stressing that the country’s rivals, whether individuals, organizations, or countries, take every chance to assault the country, in an attempt to undermine the bond between Algerians and the army.
The Djeich magazine recalled pro-army chants during mass protests that forced Abdelaziz Bouteflika to resign in 2019 after two decades in power.
However, this relation soon turned into rage after the former army Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Ahmed Gaid Salah, insisted to hold presidential elections, which faced popular rejection.
According to the magazine, the state’s enemies have been preparing to invest maliciously in the Hirak through an electronic war.
There are more than 500 web pages run from abroad, and at least 20 Zionist-run pages, that promote publications against the authority and the army and spread false news and rumors.
In this fiery speech, the military bulletin meant other slogans against the army and intelligence generals, who are facing charges of torturing demonstrators.
Salah said Chengriha supervises this military bulletin, which tackles political events and responds to “enemies” without providing any proof that a party is involved in “conspiracies against Algeria.”
The magazine further accuses Hirak activists of adopting slogans formerly raised by the local Islamic Front and its terrorist arms, in an attempt to harm the People's National Armed Forces and affect the historical bond with Algerians.
Meanwhile, Algerian President Abelmadjid Tebboune has set June 12 for early legislative elections, the presidency said on Thursday.
The upcoming election of the lower house of the national assembly would be held on the basis of a new electoral law, which Tebboune also ratified on Thursday, the statement added.
