Algerian president says he will not run again after weeks of protestsThe Algerian president, Abdelaziz Bouteflika, has withdrawn his bid for a fifth term in office after mass protests against his rule and postponed elections scheduled for April to allow for consultation on reforms “for a new generation”. Bouteflika made the surprise announcement on Monday in a letter to the Algerian people released by his office. “Refusing Bouteflika’s fifth bid was just a step. Bouteflika said the government would organise a national conference under the direction of an independent presidential commission. “Bouteflika can still remain in power until the end of the so-called national conference, with no guarantees or a timetable.

Source: The Guardian March 11, 2019 18:12 UTC