Ibadite and Malikite residents attend funerals of man killed in clashes in Ghardaia

Violence stopped in the province of Ghardaia (south of Algeria) as clashes between residents has shaken the town for two days. Additional forces of the National Gendarmerie arrived on Wednesday to restore security.

Skirmishes took place on Tuesday’s night in the area of Bouhraoua. Four people who were carrying knives were arrested and other masked men run away on motorcycles.

A large number of teachers resumed their work while all the pupils did not attend class as the Association of Pupils’ Parents made a decision to boycott classes. They called on authorities to ensure safety for pupils.

Traders’ representatives said they will continue their strike until they obtain guarantees of security in all the commercial centers in Ghardaia.

Tens of employees in most of governmental departments stopped working on Wednesday as Malikite notables’ council called for protection in the areas of Thenia, Chaabat Nichane, Hadj Messaoud, Sidi Aabaz and Ben Semara.

Families of arrested people protested at the Provincial Popular Assembly in Ghardaia and called on the prefect to open an investigation in the arrest conditions.

Malikite and Ibadite notable representatives and a large number of residents Wednesday attended the funerals of Bendaoud Guebaili who died in the violent acts in Ghardaia.