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Algeria’s President Abdelaziz Bouteflika bows to pressure, resigns from office

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Following weeks of protest, Algeria’s President, Abdelaziz Bouteflika, who had been in power for 20 year, has yielded to pressure and resigned from office.

This was announced in a statement by the state news agency APS. The state TV then reported that his resignation would be with immediate effect

82-year-old Bouteflika, had already dropped plans to seek a fifth term as opposition to his rule grew. The ailing leader suffered a stroke six years ago and has rarely appeared in public since.

The powerful Algerian army had called for his resignation, declaring as incapable of carrying out his duties.

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The state media’s statement reads: “The president of the republic, Abdelaziz Bouteflika, has officially notified the president of the constitutional council of his decision to end his mandate as president of the republic.”

Pressure had been building since February, when the first demonstrations were sparked by Mr Bouteflika’s announcement that he would be standing for a fifth term.

Tens of thousands protested across the country on 1 March. Bouteflika’s promise not to serve out a fifth term if re-elected, along with a change of prime minister, failed to quell the discontent.

Leaders of the protests also rejected Bouteflika’s offer this week that he would go by the end of his current term – 28 April – as not quick enough.

It seems the powerful military agreed. Its chief, Lt Gen Ahmed Gaed Salah, said earlier on Tuesday: “There is no more room to waste time.”

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