First it was Morocco, then Tunisia, and now it is Algeria's turn. Hundreds of Algerians have taken to the streets of the capital Algiers, some of them shouting "Bring us sugar".

They are unhappy with the rising cost of food and, what they say, is a lack of opportunity in the country. They are directing their anger at the government - they do not understand why an oil rich country is unable to offer a decent life to its people.
 
But as the anger spreads across North Africa, is it only about food prices and unemployment? And could the ongoing unrest lead to political turmoil?

Inside Story presenter James Bays discusses with Mohamed Larbi Zitout, a former Algerian diplomat, Jeremy Keenan, an expert on North Africa, and Malek Serrai, a former economic advisor to the Algerian president.

This episode of Inside Story aired from Friday, January 7, 2011.