Algeria’s President, Abdelaziz Bouteflika Resigns After 20 Years Of Ruling

The President of Algeria, Abdelaziz Bouteflika has finally resigned after week of mass protests.

President Bouteflika had ruled the country for 20 years and had already rolled out plans of seeking a fifth term in office.

The country’s army had challenged the President’s plan to rule again thereby declaring him incapable of carrying out his assignment.

The 82-year old President suffered stroke six years ago which reduced his presence in the public.

According to State TV, he officially announced to the Constitutional Council that he would end his term as President on Tuesday.

The BBC quoted the APS news agency to have reported that the Military head Lt Gen Ahmed Gaed Salah said: “There is no more room to waste time.”

Protesters however had challenged the President’s offer to end his term in office.

There have been accusations that Mr Bouteflika is being used as a front by “le pouvoir” – a group of businessmen, politicians and military officials – to retain their power.

The governing National Liberation Front, after postponing the elections which was expected to hold on the 18 April had promised to organise a national conference on reforms.

The FLN has ruled Algeria since the country won independence from France in 1962 after seven years of conflict.

Mr Bouteflika, who came to power in 1999, strengthened his grip after a bloody civil war against Islamist insurgents which left 150,000 dead.