Algeria mourns former president Liamine Zeroual

Sunday 29 March 2026 - 08:37

Former Algerian president Liamine Zeroual has died at the age of 84 after a long illness, the presidency of Algeriaannounced on Sunday. A three-day national mourning period has been declared in his honor, with flags to be flown at half-mast across the country and in diplomatic missions abroad.

A former military officer and a prominent figure of the Algerian state, Liamine Zeroual served as president from 1994 to 1999, a period marked by intense violence during Algeria’s civil conflict. He came to power at a time when the country was facing one of the most difficult chapters in its modern history.

During his presidency, Zeroual sought to stabilize the nation amid ongoing unrest, combining security measures with political initiatives aimed at restoring institutional order. His tenure paved the way for a political transition that led to the election of his successor, Abdelaziz Bouteflika, in 1999.

After leaving office, Liamine Zeroual withdrew from political life, maintaining a low public profile while remaining widely respected among Algerians for his role during a turbulent era.

In an official statement, the presidency expressed “deep sorrow” at his passing, noting that he died at the Mohamed Seghir Nekkache military hospital in Algiers after battling a serious illness.

Zeroual’s legacy remains closely tied to his efforts to guide Algeria through a period of crisis, making him one of the key figures in the country’s recent political history.