Abdelaziz Bouteflika Steps Down from the Presidency of Algeria After Two Decades

Abdelaziz Bouteflika, the President of Algeria, announced on Monday, April 1, that he would resign from his position before April 28 (May 8) after two decades in power. The 82-year-old, who is ill, had announced in February that he would run for the presidency for the fifth time. This announcement sparked a wave of protests in the North African country, which led Mr. Bouteflika to reconsider his decision. However, he refused to step down from his position. Following the Chief of Staff of the Algerian Army's stance against the continuation of the presidency and the intensification of protests, Mr. Bouteflika now states that he will resign before April 28. His office said in a statement that the President 'will take measures to ensure that government institutions continue to function during the transition period.' Mr. Bouteflika, who has rarely appeared in public since suffering a stroke in 2013, has faced intense pressure to step down since announcing his decision to run for a fifth consecutive term. Since then, large protests have been held every Friday against his continued rule and the old guard of politicians governing the country. A few weeks ago, Mr. Bouteflika announced his withdrawal from the election and postponed the voting date, which was supposed to take place in April. This action further enraged protesters who saw it as a plan to extend his presidency. As protests intensified in recent days, many of Mr. Bouteflika's loyal officials abandoned him. Last Tuesday, General Ahmed Gaid Salah, who has been the commander of the Algerian armed forces since 2004, called for Mr. Bouteflika to resign or be removed due to his illness. He referenced Article 102 of the Constitution, which states that if the President is not in good health, he must be removed. General Salah, who has been a long-time supporter and ally of Abdelaziz Bouteflika, stated in televised remarks: 'To exit this crisis, a solution must be found that is within the framework of the Constitution and responds to the legitimate demands of the people.' Mr. Bouteflika's resignation comes a day after he formed a new government headed by Noureddine Bedoui, whom he appointed as Prime Minister about three weeks ago. Algerian state television reported that General Ahmed Gaid Salah remains Deputy Minister of Defense in the new government. However, according to reports from AFP, veteran politician Ramadan Amir, who was appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister during the cabinet reshuffle on March 11, is not present in the new cabinet.