People protest on education minister’s visit to Ghardaia

Algerian education minister Nouria Benghebrit Sunday held a meeting with the associations of pupils’ parents and unions in the province of Ghardaia (south of Algeria).

This comes as residents took to the street and boycotted 12 schools upon a request from the Ibadite Mezabite notables’ council.

The council said the boycott was meant to avoid any violent acts between Ibadite and Malikite people in schools.

“Pupils will not go to school until the ministry satisfies the demands submitted by the associations. Security must be ensured and young people must find a job,” said a release issued by the council.

The associations of pupils’ parents also submitted complaints to Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika and the minister, asking to save their children.

They also called on officials to intervene and find a solution to the boycott as many teachers did not resume work fearing of insecurity.