Algeria has declared a three — day period of national mourning following the death of 84-year-old Liamine Zeroual, who served as the nation’s president from 1994 to 1999. Zeroual, born on July 3, 1941, in Batna, was a pivotal figure in Algeria’s fight for independence and the subsequent political transition.
During his presidency, Zeroual organized the country’s first multi-party presidential election in 1995, which he won by a significant margin. However, in 1998, he abruptly ended his five-year term, paving the way for Abdelaziz Bouteflika to assume the presidency. His retirement was met with both respect and controversy, with some viewing his departure as a strategic move to ease political tensions.
Zeroual’s presidency was a period of significant political and social changes, including the introduction of multi-party elections, a critical step towards democratization in Algeria. Despite the controversies surrounding his tenure, his legacy is marked by his efforts to navigate the complexities of post-war Algeria.
His death, after a serious illness, came at a military hospital in Algiers. Flags across the country have been lowered to half-mast to honor his life and the nation’s grief.
Source: Africanews
