Algerians take discontent to social media amid crackdown

In recent days, a powerful campaign has gained traction among Algerians on social media under the hashtag #Manish_Radi (I am not satisfied). The regime, after stifling activists and cracking down on protesters, has responded with arrests against anyone who uses the hashtag.

As Algeria’s cash-handout policy reaches its limits, the participants on the hashtag shared their stories with endemic inflation, rampant unemployment and failed social services in the oil and gas rich country.

The hashtag has become a rallying cry for an end to a military regime that is not only autocratic but also inefficient at the economic and social levels.

The army’s economic policies have resulted in a full dependence on finite gas and oil coupled with an import-restriction policy that resulted in long queues for basic goods such as cooking oil, milk, flour, and coffee.

Faithful to its oppressive practices, the regime responded with arrests against those practicing their rights to free speech, according to Al Magharibia, a TV channel in exile.

With oil and gas prices set to further decline due to additional supply and stable demand in the international market, the army will rely more on the stick than the carrot to prevent a reproduction of the 2019 Hirak movement demanding an end to military-rule.