Embattled Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika on Monday vowed to resign before his term officially expires later this month.
According to a statement released by his office and carried by state media, Bouteflika also pledged to make “significant decisions” with a view to ensuring that state institutions would continue to function during an upcoming “transitional phase”.
“The president will resign sometime before the end of his term, which is set to expire on April 28,” the statement read.
In February, Algeria’s ruling National Liberation Front nominated the 82-year-old Bouteflika, who has ruled Algeria since 1999, to run for a fifth presidential term.
But on March 11, following weeks of protests against his planned bid for a fifth term, Bouteflika abruptly postponed the polls — originally slated for April 18 — and formally withdrew his candidacy.
Nevertheless, Algerians have continued to stage demonstrations against the aging leader, who they accuse of unconstitutionally extending his fourth term in office.
Writing by Mahmoud Barakat
BY ANADOLU AGENCY
