The head of state's return ahead of April 18 elections came as protest strikes shut down the capital's public transport system and many schools across the country. By AFPMore by this AuthorALGIERS,Thousands of students and public transport workers went on strike in Algeria Sunday against Abdelaziz Bouteflika's bid for a fifth term, as the presidency confirmed the ailing leader had returned from Switzerland. The head of state's return ahead of April 18 elections came as protest strikes shut down the capital's public transport system and many schools across the country. Bouteflika has been in power since 1999 and his rare public appearances since his stroke have been in a wheelchair. Staff prepare an Algerian government plane - believed to be carrying President Abdelaziz Bouteflika - prior to taking off on March 10, 2019 at Geneva airport.

Source: Daily Nation March 11, 2019 06:11 UTC