{"id":16497,"date":"2019-03-10T09:00:45","date_gmt":"2019-03-10T13:00:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pierrejoris.com\/blog\/?p=16497"},"modified":"2019-03-10T09:02:35","modified_gmt":"2019-03-10T13:02:35","slug":"the-frame-the-sausage-the-oil-humor-and-politics-in-algerias-protests","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pierrejoris.com\/blog\/the-frame-the-sausage-the-oil-humor-and-politics-in-algerias-protests\/","title":{"rendered":"The Frame, The Sausage, The Oil: Humor and Politics\u00a0in Algeria\u2019s Protests"},"content":{"rendered":"

via the always excellent ArabLit <\/a>\u00a0\u2014 Arabic Literature and Translation<\/p>\n

The pith and humor of Algerian protest signs will surely be an inspiration for literature to come:<\/em><\/p>\n

By Nadia Ghanem<\/strong><\/p>\n

Since the official announcement on February 10 of this year<\/a> that Algeria\u2019s 82-year-old current president, Abdelaziz Bouteflika, was set to run for a fifth term on April 18, 2019, peaceful marches have been taking place across Algeria. Bouteflika, who suffered a stroke in 2013 that left him paralyzed, has not been able to give a public speech in four and a half years, and, for the past 13 days (as I write), the president has been hospitalised in Geneva.<\/p>\n

Protests began across the country on Friday, February 22, denouncing this situation. Peaceful demonstrators took to the streets, bearing placards that have repeatedly carried one clear message: \u201cNo to a 5th Term\u201d (\u0644\u0627 \u0644\u0644\u0639\u0647\u062f\u0629 \u0627\u0644\u062e\u0627\u0645\u0633\u0629) with simultaneous demands that Bouteflika, his \u201cgovernment,\u201d and his acolytes get lost (\u0627\u0631\u062d\u0644\u0648\u0627).<\/p>\n

March 8 happened to be International Women\u2019s Day, but it was also another Friday of protests against Bouteflika\u2019s regime across Algeria. The eighth was the largest protest so far, with millions of protesters recorded in demonstrations nationwide, and a large turnout of families hand-in-hand with their children.<\/p>\n

\"\"
source: Faiza<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In every city, marches were peaceful and the mood euphoric. Proof of protestors\u2019 sense of humour is in the abundance of jokes and puns on banners carried high by their authors during protests ever since the February 22 demonstrations.<\/p>\n

Hundreds of tongue-in-cheek messages were shared on social media on March 8. To record this historic day in Algerian politics and in the renewal of Algeria\u2019s social fabric, I have gathered a number of March 8 banners shared on Twitter and Facebook.<\/p>\n

\"\"
\u201cMy hand hurts from holding this banner, come on get lost already!!\u201d Photo Source: Oumaima Benamor<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Get lost, get it?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\u201cMaybe they\u2019ll get it in Chinese: no to the fifth\u00a0term<\/em>\u201d below refers to the government\u2019s systematic refusal to acknowledge the protests, as well as their implications for Bouteflika\u2019s regime and the 2019 elections. The pretence was most noticeable when the Algerian authorities released two open letters published in Bouteflika\u2019s name, the second of which promises he will not rerun for a 6th term if he\u2019s elected for this 5th (!). One protester wrote \u201cno to the fifth term<\/em>\u201d in reversed lettering with the note: \u201cMaybe they\u2019ll get it in reverse<\/em>\u201d.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Image\u00a0Source: journalist Khaled Drareni and Kader Achek here<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n

Image\u00a0Source: Nesrine Kheddache<\/a><\/p>\n

As one would expect from a community of polyglots, messages have come in many languages, including Chinese. Banners in Tamazight written in the Tifinagh script were seen in previous demonstrations (see here for an example from 1 March<\/a>), but I have not picked up on any in my own network. The lack of them in this post is not representative of the reality on the ground on that day, but is instead due to my lack of access.<\/p>\n

The frame, the sausage, and the oil<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Finding individuals or a group photographed within a frame is becoming a celebratory trend since February 22. The joke refers to Bouteflika\u2019s framed portrait, used by his supporters as proof he actively participates to his presidential campaign and carries his presidential duties in person from his frame. Mad but true, see here, and they didn\u2019t meant it as a joke<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Image Source: Nesrine Kheddache<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

References to scandals<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\u201cThe cashir trap<\/i>.\u201d A salami-type sausage called cashir<\/i> in Algeria was seen on a demonstrator\u2019s bike, set on a mouse-trap like a cheese. As Romayssa<\/a>, a friend and young data addict was reminding me, slices and whole cashir sausages are used in jokes in reference to the cashir <\/i>sandwiches served by the authorities during the official and \u2018fun\u2019 events to which they treat their supporters such as concerts and elections. An incongruous choice of state menus. One such event was organised for supporters of Bouteflika\u2019s 4th\u00a0term in 2014. This sausage is used in many jokes as a \u201cbrown-nose\u201d catcher. <\/span><\/p>\n

I myself always associate cashir\u00a0<\/i>sausages with the food scandal of 2015, when cashir<\/i> meat was found expired and unsafe for consumption only after many people had died of food poisoning, including children. Officials who benefit from unregulated food markets did not seek to implement change. Whatever brings in easy money is good game.
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"
Image Source: journalist Tinhinane Kerchouche here<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Another scandal is the 701 kilos of cocaine found in 2018 in a cargo marked \u2018halal meat\u2019 in the port of Wahran. Authorities then assured the public that they were not trafficking it but seizing it. \u201cWhere\u2019s my share of the cocaine<\/em>\u201d below could be a straightforward question or a reference to the 2018 scandal. Then again, it could refer to 2019, when 300 kilos of cocaine were found in backpacks by Marine Commandos surveilling the coast of Skikda.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Image Source: journalist Hamdi Baala<\/u><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Where is Bouteflika?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\u201cI am looking for Bouteflika<\/em>\u201d a diver says. Divers keep popping up in demonstrations. A group of them set up a \u2018no to the 5th term<\/em>\u2018 banner underwater in early March (see here for the video<\/a>). People have been having a lot of fun \u2018looking for Bouteflika\u2019 in demonstration messages. Dora the explorer<\/u>has been looking for Bouteflika since 1 March from the city of Tamanrasset. If you\u2019re Swiss, help her.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Image Source: Journalist Hamdi Baala<\/u><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

People power versus foreign powers<\/strong><\/p>\n

Prime Minister Ahmed Ouyahia gave a speech on February 28 before the National Assembly, warning that protesters should remember what happened in Syria, a threat barely concealed in its reference to the chaos that has ensued for the people who ask for a regime fall.<\/p>\n

This demonstrator\u2019s \u201cChaos is you<\/em>\u201d is one of the many gentle and intelligent replies to his comments.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Image Source: Kamel<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The only foreign power Algerians are interested in hearing from at the moment is Switzerland, given that Bouteflika has been hospitalized there since late February. In fact, the president is a regular patient in Swiss hospitals. A number of March 8 messages were addressed to non-Swiss governments though, to demand they stop interfering in Algeria\u2019s affairs.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Image Source: Mecipsa<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I had personally not seen this sort of \u201cstay out\u201d messages during previous protests. They should not to be dismissed as a \u201cfamily affair\u201d type of development, but rather are born from the intimate knowledge of what European and American interference can cost, and what it has cost elsewhere, and from an acute feeling that pressure is mounting. March 8 was the third sequential Friday of national demonstrations, in three weeks where doctors, university students, secondary school pupils, lawyers, and journalists have demonstrated across the country, one after the other.<\/p>\n

Songs and chants<\/strong><\/h3>\n

While the written word has caught my attention, songs and chants have been momentous in binding protesters. Many were created and channelled by football fans, and those interested in this phenomenon should follow Maher Mezahi<\/a>\u2019s reports, and read Aida Alami\u2019s article on The Soccer Politics of Morocco<\/em><\/a>. Lameen Souag has also given a translation and analysis of a USMA football club song in Some Algerian Protest Songs<\/em><\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Messages from The Smiling Revolution.\u00a0Image source: Inal Ahmed Boukhalfa<\/a>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Note: Because photos were shared on social media, it is often not possible to know the original photographer, or to find the city from which it was posted, and so I have inserted the link to the posts from which I have lifted photographs to reference my sources. My translations of the jokes given here can no doubt all be improved. You should have a go!<\/p>\n

Tech jokes<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\u201cConnected people, disconnected system\u201d<\/em>.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Image Source: Nabila Kermane<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cMessage to the president of Korea: take Ouyahia and in his place give us an original charger.\u201d Ouyahia is Algeria\u2019s Prime Minister, and the original or genuine chargers of phones and laptops are notoriously difficult and expensive to find in Algeria.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Image Source: Zeu Hakim<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201ciPhone 1,2, \u2026.. came out AND YOU\u2019RE STILL NOT GONE!\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"
Image Source: Oumaima Benamer<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cWe\u2019d like an HD\u00a0president, a 4K\u00a0will do\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"
Image Source: Sabrina<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cSystem 5 needs a reboot, do you want to reformat the device? OUI \/ YES \/ OK\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"
Image Source: journalist Khaled Drareni and Kader Achek here<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cProduct bar code: the regime<\/p>\n

Fabrication date: 05\/07\/1962<\/p>\n

Expiry date: 22\/02\/2019\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"
Image\u00a0Source: journalist Khaled Drareni and Kader Achek here<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201c[System] uninstalling\u2026\u201d. Also: \u201cThey have millions, we are millions\u201d.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Image Source: journalist Omar Zelig<\/a>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The president and the clan<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\u201cThe people ask for a residential seat made by Tefal so that the next president won\u2019t stick\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"
Credit: Nour Ben<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201c8 \u00a0March [INTERNATIONAL WOMEN\u2019S DAY] \u2013 have a good one Ouyahia\u201d. It can also be read \u201chave a good one Said (and) Ouyahia\u201d. \u00a0Said is Bouteflika\u2019s brother and the man, many believe, who runs the show.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Image Source: Ilyes Boukerch<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cIn construction (deconstructing the FLN)\u201d. Not in the philosophical way.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Image Source: Cherif Sabeur<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

People whose car area code ends in 05 (the Batna region) have crossed it out to make it look like the \u2018no to the 5th term\u2019 sign that has gone viral since February (a crossed-out 5).<\/p>\n

\"\"
Image Source: IM Bombardi<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cThe Algerian People\u2019s Plan: PLAN A: YOU GET LOST, PLAN B: YOU GET LOST, PLAN C: YOU GET LOST\u201d in reference to the regime\u2019s plan A for Abdelaziz (Bouteflika), and plan B for Bouteflika.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Image Source: Thi Lelli<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Disguised Bouteflika: \u201cI DON\u2019T WANT A FIFTH TERM CANDIDACY\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"
Image Source: shared by Leith Boukadoum here<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cGaid is anything except \u2018Salah’\u201d makes reference to General Ahmed Gaid Salah, whose last name (Salah) means righteous, veracious, good, also valid. The first word \u2018Al Gaid\u2019 is also how the word Al-Qaid is pronounced in Algeria (the letter Qaf is often pronounced Ga), which makes the message mean \u2018the leader\u2019, ie Bouteflika, is no good.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Image Source: journalist Hamdi Baala here<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cNo to the 5th\u00a0term and no to the regime\u2019s gang\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"
Image Source: journalist Khaled Drareni and Kader Achek here<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Doctors\u2019 jokes<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\u201cDentists recommend a change in prosthesis\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"
Image Source: Dekhra\u2019s brother.<\/a> City: Souk Ahras<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Marriage jokes<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\u201cI am worried about the country and she tells me\u2026 come and ask for my hand\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"
Image Source: Oumaima Benamer<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

People power<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\u201cThey have millions, we are millions. We are the 99%, we will no longer tolerate greed and corruption\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"
Image Source: journalist Khaled Drareni and Kader Achek here<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cGet out, let us mop the country\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"
Source: journalist Hamdi Baala here<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cWe are not in danger\u2026 we are the danger\u2026 peacefully\u201d. In reference to Breaking Bad.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Source: journalist Hamdi Baala here<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Food jokes<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\u201cThis Camembert cheese stinks less than you do\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"
Image Source: Abdelhakim Taibi<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Substance jokes<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\u201cHash became expensive, so now we\u2019re awake\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"
Image Source: journalist Hamdi Baala here<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Banners inspired by the famous Tunisian slogan \u2018The people want the fall of the regime<\/em>\u2018 (<\/strong>\u0627\u0644\u0634\u0639\u0628 \u064a\u0631\u064a\u062f \u0627\u0633\u0642\u0627\u0637 \u0627\u0644\u0646\u0638\u0627\u0645)<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\u201cThe people want a taste of life\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"
Image Source: Othmane Belmokhtar<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cThe people want the implementation of the constitution\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"
Image Source: Maimouna<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\"nadia\"<\/a>Dr. Nadia Ghanem is ArabLit\u2019s Algeria Editor. Based between Algeria and the UK, she blogs \u00a0at\u00a0tellemchaho.blogspot.co.uk<\/a>\u00a0about living in Algeria, and Algerian literature.<\/em><\/p>\n

\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

via the always excellent ArabLit \u00a0\u2014 Arabic Literature and Translation The pith and humor of Algerian protest signs will surely be an inspiration for literature to come: By Nadia Ghanem Since the official announcement...<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":16503,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1012,849],"tags":[2033,1795],"class_list":["post-16497","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-arab-spring","category-algeria","tag-arablit","tag-nadia-ghanem"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pierrejoris.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16497","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/pierrejoris.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/pierrejoris.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pierrejoris.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pierrejoris.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=16497"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/pierrejoris.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16497\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":16504,"href":"https:\/\/pierrejoris.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16497\/revisions\/16504"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pierrejoris.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/16503"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pierrejoris.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=16497"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pierrejoris.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=16497"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pierrejoris.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=16497"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}