1988 October Riots
Encyclopedia
The 1988 October Riots were a series of street-level disturbances and riot
ous demonstrations by Algeria
n youth, in the autumn of 1988, which indirectly led to the fall of the country's single-party system and the introduction of democratic
reform, but also to a spiral of instability and increasingly vicious political conflict, ultimately fostering the Algerian Civil War
.
The targets of the anarchic protests, which began on October 5, 1988, were never clearly articulated, but generally directed at the increasing social despair - to a large extent the result of oil prices dropping sharply the preceding years - and at the slow pace of economic and political reform. The protests were violently repressed, but set in motion a process of internal regime power-struggles and public criticism that eventually led to the downfall of the Algerian single-party system, which had kept the military-dominated Front de Libération Nationale
(FLN) party in power since 1962. A new constitution was later promulgated, as President
Chadli Bendjedid
accepted the introduction of a multi-party democracy
(stunted by the outbreak of the Algerian Civil War
in 1992).
The violence caused tens or hundreds of deaths, and many more injured. The simultaneous and unexpected nature of the protests, as well as their monumental consequences, has led many Algerian observers to trace their origins to intrigues within the ruling elite, with military factions exploiting the frustration of Algerian youth, and the widespread popular discontent with corruption
in the state apparatus, to discredit the Presidency or force its hand. However, little evidence exists to support this thesis - or, indeed, to disprove it.
Riot
A riot is a form of civil disorder characterized often by what is thought of as disorganized groups lashing out in a sudden and intense rash of violence against authority, property or people. While individuals may attempt to lead or control a riot, riots are thought to be typically chaotic and...
ous demonstrations by Algeria
Algeria
Algeria , officially the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria , also formally referred to as the Democratic and Popular Republic of Algeria, is a country in the Maghreb region of Northwest Africa with Algiers as its capital.In terms of land area, it is the largest country in Africa and the Arab...
n youth, in the autumn of 1988, which indirectly led to the fall of the country's single-party system and the introduction of democratic
Democracy
Democracy is generally defined as a form of government in which all adult citizens have an equal say in the decisions that affect their lives. Ideally, this includes equal participation in the proposal, development and passage of legislation into law...
reform, but also to a spiral of instability and increasingly vicious political conflict, ultimately fostering the Algerian Civil War
Algerian Civil War
The Algerian Civil War was an armed conflict between the Algerian government and various Islamist rebel groups which began in 1991. It is estimated to have cost between 150,000 and 200,000 lives, in a population of about 25,010,000 in 1990 and 31,193,917 in 2000.More than 70 journalists were...
.
The targets of the anarchic protests, which began on October 5, 1988, were never clearly articulated, but generally directed at the increasing social despair - to a large extent the result of oil prices dropping sharply the preceding years - and at the slow pace of economic and political reform. The protests were violently repressed, but set in motion a process of internal regime power-struggles and public criticism that eventually led to the downfall of the Algerian single-party system, which had kept the military-dominated Front de Libération Nationale
Front de Libération Nationale
Front de Libération Nationale may refer to:* National Liberation Front , a socialist political party founded in 1954 for independence from France for Algeria...
(FLN) party in power since 1962. A new constitution was later promulgated, as President
President of Algeria
The President of Algeria is the head of state and chief executive of Algeria, as well as the Commander-in-Chief of the Algerian armed forces.-History of the office:...
Chadli Bendjedid
Chadli Bendjedid
Chadli Bendjedid was the sixth President of Algeria from February 9, 1979 to January 11, 1992.-Early career:...
accepted the introduction of a multi-party democracy
Democracy
Democracy is generally defined as a form of government in which all adult citizens have an equal say in the decisions that affect their lives. Ideally, this includes equal participation in the proposal, development and passage of legislation into law...
(stunted by the outbreak of the Algerian Civil War
Algerian Civil War
The Algerian Civil War was an armed conflict between the Algerian government and various Islamist rebel groups which began in 1991. It is estimated to have cost between 150,000 and 200,000 lives, in a population of about 25,010,000 in 1990 and 31,193,917 in 2000.More than 70 journalists were...
in 1992).
The violence caused tens or hundreds of deaths, and many more injured. The simultaneous and unexpected nature of the protests, as well as their monumental consequences, has led many Algerian observers to trace their origins to intrigues within the ruling elite, with military factions exploiting the frustration of Algerian youth, and the widespread popular discontent with corruption
Political corruption
Political corruption is the use of legislated powers by government officials for illegitimate private gain. Misuse of government power for other purposes, such as repression of political opponents and general police brutality, is not considered political corruption. Neither are illegal acts by...
in the state apparatus, to discredit the Presidency or force its hand. However, little evidence exists to support this thesis - or, indeed, to disprove it.