Tense calm follows more clashes in Algeria

Thursday night saw more clashes in Algiers following a wave of protests over unemployment and the cost of living.

Riot police used tear gas to disperse youths who threw stones and fireworks at them in the Algerian capital.

Elsewhere a motorway and other roads were blocked by protesters who erected barricades.

The situation is said to have calmed down on Friday morning, with police monitoring the situation especially around some of the city’s mosques.

But anger remains high especially over rising prices and a lack of jobs and housing.

“We do not accept this government because we have been suffering for 10 years and in another 10 years nothing will have changed,” shouted one demonstrator, his face covered by a scarf.

Another protester said young Algerians only had a future in Europe.

Tension has been highest in poor areas of Algiers, but trouble has also been reported in wealthier districts.

The government has promised an investment plan worth 218 billion euros over 4 years.

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