Thousands of protesters have marked the second anniversary of Algeria’s pro-democracy movementALGIERS, Algeria -- Thousands of protesters marking the second anniversary of Algeria’s pro-democracy movement took to the streets Monday in the Algerian capital where a wall of security forces stepped aside to let marchers pass. The protesters of the Hirak movement helped force long-time President Abdelaziz Bouteflika from power in 2019. The president also dissolved parliament to pave the way for new elections, among the demands of the Hirak movement. In what sounded like a sign of goodwill, government spokesman Amar Belhimeur said the second anniversary of Hirak “carries the mark of the cohesion of the Algerian people and the army,” the single most important force in the North African nation. The stream of activists, men, women and children, filled the capital's streets, recalling the height of the Hirak movement.

Source: ABC News February 22, 2021 15:11 UTC