Algeria War Veterans Back Protests Demanding End to Bouteflika’s Rule

Algeria War Veterans Back Protests Demanding End to Bouteflika’s Rule
Riot police walk as they try to disperse people during the protest to denounce an offer by President Abdelaziz Bouteflika to run in elections next month but not to serve a full term if re-elected, in Algiers, Algeria March 5, 2019. REUTERS/Ramzi Boudina
Reuters
Updated:

ALGIERS—Algerian independence war veterans said protesters demanding ailing President Abdelaziz Bouteflika step down after 20 years in power had legitimate concerns and they urged all citizens to demonstrate—another sign of cracks in the ruling elite.

The unrest poses the biggest challenge yet to Bouteflika and his inner circle which includes members of the military, intelligence services, and businessmen.