Who Will Save Algeriaâs Closed Churches: the UN, US, or Hirak? World body challenges North African nation over its treatment of Christians, while local evangelical leaders take heart in renewed protests. Jayson Casper| Image: STR / picture alliance / Getty Images People in Algiers wave a big Algerian flag during a protest held today to mark the second anniversary of the mass demonstrations, commonly known as the Hirak Movement, that pushed long-time ruler Abdelaziz Bouteflika out of office in April 2019. Algeria’s Christians hope that a one-two punch may reopen their churches. Last December, a letter from the United Nations asked the North African government to give account. And this week, popular protests resumed after crackdowns and a pandemic-related hiatus.