Africa

Algerian protesters: President's exit was only first step

Associated Press
Published | Updated

In this image from state TV broadcaster ENTV, Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, sitting in wheelchair, views the document as he presents his resignation to president of Constitutional Council Tayeb Belaiz, during a meeting Tuesday April 2, 2019. Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika stepped down on Tuesday after 20 years in office, following six weeks of massive nationwide public protests aimed at pushing him and his much-criticized inner circle from power in the gas-rich nation. (ENTV via AP)

A crowd celebrates after ailing Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika resigned after 20 years in power, Tuesday April 2, 2019 in Algiers. Bouteflika quit in a statement read on national television after the country's Defense Ministry aggressively called for Bouteflika to "immediately" vacate the office he held for two decades. (AP Photo/Fateh Guidoum)

Thousands of Algerians are chanting, singing and cheering after their pro-democracy movement forced out longtime President Abdelaziz Bouteflika — and demanding that other top figures leave too.

Crowds massed Friday in Algiers boulevards and headed toward the central post office, symbol of the movement that has upended this energy-rich North African country. Security was higher than usual, with roadblocks preventing large buses of protesters from entering the capital.

It is their seventh straight Friday of protests against a leadership seen as corrupt and repressive — but the first since Bouteflika resigned this week.

The protesters also want the departure of the prime minister, the head of the upper house of parliament and the president of the constitutional court.

Protesters chanted: "The people want them all to leave!"