Algeria - violence

Calm returns to Algiers after clash between Chinese and Algerian traders

Article published on the 2009-08-06 Latest update 2009-08-06 14:58 TU

The coast of Algiers, as seen from the basilica of Our Lady of Africa.
(Photo : Wikipedia)

Streets in Algiers were empty on Wednesday after violent clashes between Chinese and Algerian traders on Tuesday.

An argument between an Algerian shopkeeper and a Chinese businessman in the area of Bab Ezzouar involved around fifty people, many of whom were armed with knives and iron bars.

On Wednesday the Chinese embassy played down the incident, saying it was unrepresentative of relations between the Algerians and Chinese. 

Around 25,000 Chinese nationals currently live in Algeria, according to the Algerian media. They mainly work in commerce, telecommunications and the building trade.

All the Chinese-owned shops in the district of Bab Ezzouar remained closed on Wednesday.