A surge in protests around the world in October

An overview of new and ongoing demonstrations

PARIS: The past weeks have seen a wave of protest movements erupt in countries worldwide.

Here is an overview of the main demonstrations that started this month and others that are ongoing.

Bolivia

When? Since October 21.

Trigger? The disputed results of the October 20 presidential election which gave outgoing leader Evo Morales almost outright victory for a fourth term.

State of play? There has been violence in several regions and a general strike was launched on October 23.

Toll? Several people have been injured in clashes between supporters and opponents of Morales.

Chile

Riot police clash with demonstrators in Santiago on October 24, 2019. PHOTO: AFP

When? Since October 18.

Trigger? An increase in the price of metro tickets in the capital.

State of play? President Sebastian Pinera suspended the price hike and then announced social measures such as increased pensions and lower electricity costs. But the protests spread, including complaints about living costs and social inequality. A general strike started on October 23.

Toll? 18 dead.

Lebanon

Supporters of the Hezbollah movement drive in a convoy in support of its leader Hassan Nasrallah's speech, in the southern suburbs of Beirut on October 25, 2019. PHOTO: AFP

When? Since October 17.

Trigger? A proposed tax on calls made through messaging apps.

State of play? The government of Saad Hariri quickly axed the measure and announced emergency economic reforms. But the protests have widened to demand the removal of the entire political class.

Toll? Peaceful protests, marked by several clashes, have paralysed the country but there have been no injuries.

Guinea

Guineans wearing red in honour of those killed during demonstrations take part in a protest against the third term of the Guinean President, on October 24, 2019 in Conakry. PHOTO: AFP

When? Since October 7.

Trigger? Accusations that President Alpha Conde is trying to circumvent a bar on a third term in office.

State of play? Thousands of people have joined a string of demonstrations organised by an alliance of opposition groups, the FNDC.

Toll? Around 10 protesters killed.

Ecuador

People demonstrate outside the national assembly in Quito on October 8, 2019. PHOTO: AFP

When? From October 1 to 13.

Trigger? The scrapping of fuel subsidies.

State of play? After 12 days of protests, President Lenin Moreno and the indigenous movement, which has spearheaded the demonstrations, reached an agreement under which the government reinstated fuel subsidies.

Toll? Eight killed and 1,340 injured.

Iraq

Iraqi protesters gather during an anti-government demonstration in the Iraqi capital Baghdad on October 25, 2019. PHOTO: AFP

When? Since October 1.

Trigger? Spontaneous calls on social media to protest corruption, unemployment and poor public services.

State of play? After a week of protests that quickly escalated into clashes with security forces, the government announced reforms. Protesters continue to demand an end to corruption and unemployment, and an overhaul of the political system. On October 25 the protests resumed, with a new upsurge of violence, fanned by sectarian political leader Moqtada Sadr.

Toll? More than 150 dead the first week. At least 40 on Friday alone.

Ongoing movements

Other protest movements, which started earlier this year, are continuing:

High school students take part in a human chain rally outside Kowloon park in Hong Kong on October 25, 2019. PHOTO: AFP

- In Hong Kong, a protest movement started on June 9 in response to a draft government bill that would allow extradition to mainland China.

After months of regular demonstrations, including some of the worst violence the former British colony has known, the extradition bill was withdrawn in September. But the campaign had already broadened to demand greater democratic freedoms.

Initially peaceful, the protests have degenerated into violent clashes between protesters and security forces. Numerous pro-democracy activists have been attacked, and on October 1 police shot and wounded a protester with a live bullet.

- In Algeria, the decision by President Abdelaziz Bouteflika to run for a fifth term sparked a wave of peaceful demonstrations on February 22.

Bouteflika resigned in April but protesters continue to demand an overhaul of the entire political establishment. The opposition rejects elections under the current establishment, called for December 12.