By Hassan Jibril <br> </p> <p>ALGIERS (AA) – Thousands of university students on Tuesday staged demonstrations in capital Algiers — and other parts of the country — calling for the departure of all government officials known to be close to former President Abdelaziz Bouteflika.</p> <p>According to witnesses, thousands of students — joined by a number of university faculty members — marched from the University of Algiers campus to the capital’s main post office.<br>
Marchers called for the immediate departure of all Bouteflika-era officials, including interim President Abdelkader Bensaleh, Prime Minister Noureddine Badawi, and members of the latter’s government.
On Sunday, Bensaleh called for a “comprehensive dialogue” between Algeria’s leading political powers in advance of presidential elections slated for July 4.
The 82-year-old Bouteflika resigned early last month following weeks of popular protest against his 20-year rule.
Bensalah, the former parliamentary speaker, is now serving as interim president for a 90-day transitional period — overseen by the army — during which presidential elections will be conducted.
Demonstrators, however, have continued to demand the departure of all government officials with links to the Bouteflika regime, including Bensalah.
They also demand the prosecution of Said Bouteflika, the former president's brother, who has been described by detractors as the “gang leader.”
