President Bouteflika Resignation

Algeria's President Abdelaziz Bouteflika has resigned after weeks of massive street protests around the country. Bouteflika, who has been in power for 20 years, had already dropped plans to seek a fifth term as opposition to his rule grew and pressure mounted. The Algerian army had called for the 82-year-old to be declared incapable of carrying out his duties. Protesters had vowed to continue piling on pressure until the entire government is collapsed. President Bouteflika, who has been visibly ill since he suffered a stroke six years ago, has avoided public events ever since. The latest is that Bouteflika has now written a letter to the people of Algeria asking and pleading for forgiveness, he added that he was "leaving the political stage with neither sadness nor fear" for Algeria's future.1. Ibrahim Dean Researcher Afro-middle East Centre2. Ibrahima KaneSnr Policy Adviser Open Society Foundation’s Africa Regional Office