In Algeria, a wind of protest is blowing again, driven by a popular campaign called “Manish Radi” (“I am not satisfied”). This movement illustrates a deep malaise in Algerian society, a malaise which, despite the apparent running out of steam in Hirak, still seems alive.
It mainly comes from young people and vehemently denounces precarious living conditions and the lack of prospects. Using social networks as a catalyst, this popular protest campaign reflects the despair and an evolution of the dynamics of protest against the regime of the capos of Algiers.
The current protest, embodied by “#Manish Radi”, has its roots in deep causes, inherited from the limits and failures of post-Hirak management. If the latter had aroused popular euphoria and the hope of renewal, it unfortunately did not lead to significant structural changes.
The solidly rooted military and political elites have managed to maintain their hold on power, neutralizing any attempt at real reform. The promises made by the poorly named president, in the face of democratic and economic renewal, have only fueled disillusionment. The population is confronted with an overwhelming status quo, marked by a decline in individual freedoms and a deterioration of social justice.
Furthermore, the capos' regime's response to popular demands resulted in increased repression, with arbitrary arrests and censorship stifling independent media. This authoritarian strategy, far from calming minds, has exacerbated the feeling of injustice, thus fueling latent anger which is expressed today with renewed intensity.
Social networks: the weapon of the oppressed
The essence of the “#Manish Radi” movement lies in its ability to fully exploit digital tools for horizontal mobilization that escapes traditional structures. Unlike Hirak, which is largely focused on street demonstrations, this campaign adopts a decentralized strategy, structured around online campaigns orchestrated on social networks. This global visibility exerts increasing media pressure on the Algerian authorities, who are struggling to contain the shock wave.
Furthermore, humor and irony, the traditional weapons of popular movements, take on a very particular dimension here. The demonstrators do not hesitate to expose the absurdities of the political system through a sarcastic tone, skillfully used to captivate and rally an ever-widening audience. In short, “#Manish Radi” embodies a new era of protest where digital creativity combines with a desire for social transformation.
Despite promises to improve purchasing power and fight inflation, daily reality remains trying for a large segment of the population. The resurgence of a movement like “Manish Radi” cannot be dissociated from the current economic and social context. Despite significant oil wealth, the Algerian population continues to suffer from indecent living conditions.
Basic necessities are necessarily seeing their prices explode, making daily life unbearable for many families. The salary increase recently announced by the government remains largely insufficient in the face of the galloping rise in the cost of living. The announced salary increases are struggling to compensate for the soaring prices of basic necessities, plunging many families into accumulated precariousness. Added to this are sectors in disarray, health, education and housing… so many collapsed public services which are giving way to widespread anger.
Youth seeking change
Endemic unemployment, particularly among young people, remains an open wound. In the absence of obvious structural reforms, economic opportunities remain rare, encouraging some young people to dream of emigration. The “#Manish Radi” campaign embodies the fed-up of a youth disillusioned by broken promises and a political system considered sclerotic.
To this, the totalitarian regime of Algiers often responds with increased repression, limiting spaces for freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. Arbitrary arrests of demonstrators, journalists and human rights activists continue, illustrating a desire to muzzle any form of dissent.
“#Manish Radi” highlights the urgency of collective awareness. The legitimate aspirations of the population for a dignified life and active participation in political life cannot be ignored indefinitely. The challenge for the authorities now lies in their ability to listen and respond to demands
The #Manish Radi movement reflects an unquenchable desire for justice and dignity. If the regime of seniles in khaki continues to ignore these demands, the discontent could evolve into more radical protest. Algerian society, rich in its resilient spirit, seems ready to remind those in power that silence is not synonymous with satisfaction. It remains to be seen whether this new wave of protest will be able to transform anger into lasting change.
