Batna, Algeria — Algeria’s former President Liamine Zeroual was solemnly buried in his hometown of Batna on Monday, as the nation honored the 84-year-old with full military honors. President Abdelmadjid Tebboune was among the dignitaries present at the ceremony, which reflected the late leader’s significant role in Algeria’s history.
Zeroual, who died on Saturday at a military hospital in Algiers after a prolonged illness, served as Algeria’s president from 1994 to 1999. His military career began in the 1950s, when he joined the National Liberation Army in the fight for independence from French rule. By 1988, he had been promoted to general and later served as minister of defense.
Zeroual’s presidency was marked by the organization of the country’s first pluralistic presidential election in 1995, where he won over 60 percent of the vote. Despite his continued popularity, he chose not to return to the presidency after his retirement, despite several attempts to persuade him to do so.
The nation observed a period of mourning following Zeroual’s death, with an outpouring of grief and reflection on his contributions to Algeria’s stability and independence. His legacy as a key figure in Algeria’s struggle for independence and his time as president remains a point of national pride.
Source: Africanews
