The Algerian government has ramped up its efforts to silence the #ManichRadi (“I’m dissatisfied”) movement, a growing protest against President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. Over the past two days, numerous activists and social media users have been arrested for sharing posts related to the hashtag, with several detainees reportedly taken into custody in public spaces, according to the human rights group Chouaa.
The #ManichRadi movement, which has gained significant momentum, especially among young Algerians, has become a symbol of frustration with the government’s failure to address pressing issues such as widespread poverty, high unemployment, and endemic corruption. The hashtag has not only ignited public outrage but has also become a powerful tool for those demanding meaningful reforms and greater transparency from the state.
In response to the rising discontent, Tebboune’s government has launched a counter-campaign, #AnaMâaBladi (“I Am With My Country”), which seeks to promote national pride and encourage citizens to show support for the government. However, this initiative has failed to gain significant traction, with many perceiving it as a top-down effort to suppress dissent rather than address the underlying issues fueling public discontent.
During a speech on Tuesday, President Tebboune sharply criticized the activists, accusing them of harming Algeria’s reputation through their online protests. “Anyone who believes they can harm Algeria with a hashtag is mistaken,” Tebboune declared. “There is no Algerian whose blood doesn’t carry the spirit of resistance. We must live up to the expectations of our youth.”
The government’s actions have drawn widespread condemnation, particularly following the 2019 pro-democracy protests, which Tebboune’s administration sought to quell through heavy policing and mass arrests. Human rights groups have condemned the recent crackdown, viewing it as an attempt to instill fear and prevent the spread of anti-government sentiment. As social media becomes a critical platform for public expression in Algeria, security forces have increasingly resorted to coercive tactics to intimidate citizens and stifle opposition voices.