Civil Society in Algeria: The Hirak, Non-violence and Youth Activism for Democracy | SOAS
Channel: SOAS University of London
Date: 2020-10-30

Civil Society in Algeria: The Hirak, Non-violence and Youth Activism for Democracy with speaker Jessica Ayesha Northey (Coventry University) was recorded on the 27th of October 2020. Find out more at: http://bit.ly/3oJb6Kv

On 22 February 2019, Algeria saw the emergence of a peaceful movement for democracy, which brought ordinary people to the streets on an unprecedented scale. Known as the hirak, weekly marches of millions led to President Bouteflika standing down, and to senior politicians and business elites being arrested and tried for corruption. Largely led and inspired by young people, and with roots in civil society developments over the past two decades, this phenomenal mobilisation continued until 2020 and the global covid19 pandemic. How did Algerians take on such a powerful regime, without violence, despite deep frustrations and a history of violent political change? What are the implications for future democratic reform, civil society and citizenship and how do young people imagine the future of a new Algeria