Algerian army chief of staff warns massive protests may trigger violence

Algerian Army Chief of Staff and Deputy Defense Minister, Ahmed Gaid Salah, on Tuesday warned that the ongoing massive protests may turn into violence, the state-run ENTV channel reported.

Salah held a two-day visit to the southernmost province of Tamenrasset, where tens of thousands of troops are deployed to secure southern borderline amid terror threats coming from the Sahel region.

While addressing army troops and officials, Salah reacted to the peaceful marches against the decision of incumbent President Abdelaziz Bouteflika to seek a 5th term.

He warned that "all those who call for violence, under any circumstance or motive, are, actually, overlooking the desire of Algerians to live in peace and security."

This was the first time that the military institution reacted to the protests that started on Friday.

On Monday, Algerian Prime Minister Ahmed Ouyahia, also commented the massive protests, as he called on citizens to be "vigilant" so that they would not be used by anonymous parties to sow chaos in the country.

On Feb. 10, Bouteflika announced that he would run in the forthcoming presidential election, due on April 18, while opposition parties urged him to quit the scene for new generation to lead the country.

Bouteflika is currently in Geneva for medical examinations, according to a presidential statement.

Bouteflika, 81-year-old, suffered a stroke in 2013, and he was re-elected in 2014 for a fourth term until 2019.