Algeria has announced three days of national mourning following the death of former president Liamine Zeroual, a respected military leader who guided the country through one of its most turbulent periods. He was 84.
The presidency confirmed that Zeroual died on Sunday at a military hospital in the capital, Algiers, after a prolonged illness. In his honour, flags across the country will be flown at half-mast.
Born on July 3, 1941, in Batna in eastern Algeria, Zeroual rose through the ranks of the National Liberation Army (FLN), the force that fought for Algeria’s independence from French colonial rule. His early military career helped shape his reputation as a disciplined and pragmatic leader.
Zeroual assumed the presidency in 1994 during a violent civil conflict that had plunged the country into instability. Tasked with leading a transitional administration, he played a key role in restoring a measure of political order. In 1995, he organised Algeria’s first multi-party presidential election, securing a decisive victory that strengthened his mandate.
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Despite his strong position, Zeroual surprised many observers in 1998 by cutting short his five-year term. His resignation paved the way for Abdelaziz Bouteflika, who would go on to lead the country for two decades.
After stepping down, Zeroual largely withdrew from public life but remained widely respected for his integrity and his role in steering Algeria through crisis. His death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the nation, reflecting his enduring legacy in Algeria’s political and military history.
