Algeria’s National Day of Fraternity and Cohesion is celebrated annually on February 22. It commemorates the anniversary of the protests that united the nation against an unjust leader and his party’s attempt at a further egocentric power grab. On February 22, 2019, protests were held simultaneously across the nation. The nation as a whole attempted to thwart President Abdelaziz Bouteflika’s bid for a fifth term, resulting in the closure of businesses and schools. The protestors ultimately prevailed, and Bouteflika was removed from power. Since 2020, the entire nation has observed this day to commemorate the victory of democracy and the will of the people.
The background of Day of Fraternity and Cohesion
Algerians celebrate National Day of Fraternity and Cohesion with great enthusiasm and patriotism as a national holiday. People are reminded of the 2019 spring that altered the nation’s trajectory. Young Algerians, disgusted by the former president’s 20-year rule, led the protest and held nearly two months of demonstrations. Protests erupted in every region of the nation. “It’s a republic, not a kingdom!” was chanted vehemently in the streets. The president’s audacious decision to run for a fifth term was met with instant opposition after he was accused of “stealing the country.”
The protests were coordinated. Elders would conclude Friday evening prayers and then hold street demonstrations while singing songs of Algerian pride. As a form of protest, parents kept their children home. The country’s youth rejected the gerontocracy, the governing party, and the unqualified president. The protests, which were described as a “movement of young and Algerian citizens,” continued until the president’s concession in early April.
For the first time in Algeria’s history as an independent nation, the strength of the republic clashed with the government’s power grabs, and the people prevailed. The full name of the holiday is “The National Day of Fraternity and Cohesion between the People and their Army for Democracy,” as it symbolises the eventual, powerful support of the army to assist the people in mobilising the movement in the national interest.
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5 FACTS ABOUT Algeria
Algeria is the tenth largest nation on earth.
Only 12 percent of the country’s land is habitable, as the remainder is covered by the Sahara Desert.
In Algeria, where women make up more than 60 percent of the student population, they fare far better than in any other Islamic-majority country.
From the court system to common hospitality etiquette, Algeria’s culture is heavily influenced by France.
In 2020, nearly 30 percent of Algerians will be under the age of 15.
DAY OF FRATERNITY AND COHESION DATES
Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2023 | February 22 | Wednesday |
2024 | February 22 | Thursday |
2025 | February 22 | Saturday |
2026 | February 22 | Sunday |
2027 | February 22 | Monday |