Algeria's powerful army chief dies: state mediaAlgeria’s powerful army chief Lieutenant-General Ahmed Gaed Salah (pictured), who was instrumental in bringing down long-time president Abdelaziz Bouteflika, has died, state media reported on Monday. Gaed Salah’s departure may not signify major changes to Algeria’s economic and political policies, however, as he had plenty of potential successors in a military that has remained united over the handling of the protests. President Abdelmadjid Tebboune announced that the head of land forces, General Said Chengriha, would take over as acting chief of staff of the armed forces. Soon after mass protests erupted early this year, Gaed Salah’s televised speech urging president Bouteflika to quit led to the veteran leader’s swift resignation. One constant chant throughout the protests has been for “A civilian state, not a military state”.

Source: Standard Digital December 23, 2019 10:07 UTC