Summary:

On 27 January 2025, French media outlet Franceinfo reported arrests by Algerian authorities of citizens who published the hashtag “I am not satisfied” on social media.  

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The “I am not satisfied’ campaign has been ongoing since December 2024, by Algerian citizens expressing their dissatisfaction with the government’s current policies, with some criticizing the military’s role in governing.  

In contrast, many Algerian citizens joined an opposing campaign, publishing the “I stand by my country” slogan. These supporters of the government have criticized the detractors, accusing them of “plotting with regional actors to destabilize the country.” 

Meanwhile, on 26 December 2024, President Abdelmajid Tebboune announced presidential amnesty for 2471 detainees in relation to public order cases. However, according to some observer organizations, the number of released prisoners is much less than the announced number. 

Previously, President Tebboune announced a “National Dialogue” to be organized with political parties in the country by the end of 2025 to “immunize Algeria from foreign interventions and eliminate attempts to sow discord.” 

Outlook: 

Recent developments in Algeria highlight existing internal divisions between the supporters of the government and an increasingly vocal bloc of critics who are likely inspired by the fall of the Assad regime in Syria. 

The arrests of individuals joining opposition campaigns are likely to harm the credibility of the president’s national dialogue initiative especially among younger Algerians. 

As the government continues framing criticism of its policies as efforts to destabilize the country, arrests are likely to continue and will further fuel internal tensions. 

Policies and actions perceived as repressive by outside observers will harm Algeria’s reputation in international media and organizations which may disadvantage Algerian diplomatic efforts in multilateral institutions. These internal tensions could also lead to deteriorating relations with foreign actors commenting on arrests in Algeria as is the case with the European Parliament whose resolution on Algeria’s arrest of Franco-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal was poorly received in Algeria.  

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