Algerian strongman military chief Ahmed Gaid Salah, known for telling veteran leader Abdelaziz Bouteflika to resign, has died aged 79, official media say. One of the last veterans of the 1954-62 independence war against France still in power, Gen Salah died of a heart attack. Bouteflika, who ruled since 1999, resigned in April after mass protests, leaving Gen Salah as de facto leader. Gen Salah has been replaced as acting army head by Gen Said Chengriha and three days of mourning have been announced. Gen Salah, head of the army since 2004, was a central figure in this system.

Source: The Star December 23, 2019 14:03 UTC