Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika has stepped down after 20 years in office and weeks of massive nationwide protests aimed at pushing him out of power. Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika has stepped down after 20 years in office and weeks of massive nationwide protests aimed at pushing him out of power. The announcement followed a call from the powerful army chief for the ailing president, 82, to “immediately” take up his proposal to bow out while respecting the constitution. The official APS news agency said that Bouteflika had notified the Constitutional Council of his decision to end his mandate. As president, age and illness took its toll, and corruption scandals dogged him and associates.

Source: Irish Independent April 02, 2019 21:56 UTC