ALGERIAN President Abdelmajid Tebboune today warned protesters against violence as they mark a year since the start of the movement for political change known as the Hirak.

He alleged that the demonstrations were being targeted by agents provocateurs seeking to sow discord, warning that any violence would be “a disaster” for the country.

“Beware of infiltration. There are signs of infiltration,” Mr Tebboune said in a state broadcast. He did not give any further details or evidence for his claim.

The protests, which continued in the capital Algiers today, were originally sparked by then president Abdelaziz Bouteflika’s decision to stand for an unprecedented fifth term of office.

Last March he performed a U-turn, announcing that he would stand down and call fresh elections. But the country remained in political deadlock as the protesters called for the removal of all those associated with his corrupt regime.

Elections finally took place in December but were widely boycotted due to doubts about their transparency, since they were overseen by former allies of Mr Bouteflika.

The protest movement rejected the election of Mr Tebboune, a former prime minister, vowing to continue to fight for “a second revolution” in Algeria.

Scores of leading politicians and business leaders, including two ex-prime ministers, have faced trial on corruption charges as the government desperately tried to quell the protest movement.

But political opponents have also been rounded up and jailed, including revolutionary leader Lakhdar Bouregaa and those associated with the Berber-rights movement.

 “I have decided to decree February 22 a national day of fraternity and cohesion between the people and their army for democracy,” Mr Tebboune said.

“Hirak is a healthy phenomenon,” he said. “It saved the country from disaster.”

The president announced plans for a commission to amend the Algerian constitution, increasing democracy by giving parliament and the government greater powers.

“We will solve all problems, God willing,” he said.