Algeria’s state television reported the sudden death of the powerful army chief General Ahmed Gaid Salah .Gaid Salah, 79, was seen as Algeria’s de facto strongman after the resignation of the president Abdelaziz Bouteflika in the face of massive protests.
The late army Chief General played a key role pushing through December 12 presidential elections for Bouteflika’s replacement, despite the popular demand for deep-rooted political reforms the establishment of transitional institutions and the dismantling of the military-dominated regime before any poll. The election was won by Abdelmadjid Tebboune who was seen as close to the armed forces chief.
A veteran of Algeria’s war for independence, he was chief of Algeria’s military for a record 15 years and was a key influence in maintaining the military-dominated system that has been in power. He was the key aide of former President Bouteflika until the president was forced to step down and became de facto authority of the country.
