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Thousands of Algerian veterans march for recognition

May 23, 2017 at 11:47 am

Thousands of veterans from the Algerian National People’s Army (ANP) took to the streets in the capital Algiers, Algeria on 21 May, 2017 [DR/LE360.ma]

Thousands of veterans from the Algerian National People’s Army (ANP) took to the streets in the capital Algiers over the weekend demanding a better quality medical care for pensioners suffering from illness in addition to the official recognition by the government of “the sacrifices they made during the black decade in the service of the fatherland.”

Despite attempts by the Algerian government to abort the march, returnees, those deported and disabled as well as members of the fallen soldiers’ families and retired army officials join the protests. They blocked traffic on some roads and walked to Reghaia where they were stopped by the national gendarmerie. The protest was organised to inform the government of their feeling of abandonment and grievances. They also called for a revision of the pensions allocated to pensioners, the revaluation of injury premiums, access to housing, employment and the regularisation of their situation with regards to social security.

Retirees also claim the right to taxi or coffee licences. The government has used all means to prevent this march by filtering the capital’s entrances. Many ANP alumni were blocked to the west of the city of Boumerdes. The claims are very unlikely to be remedied soon as the government continues to deal with an acute financial crisis.