Algeria has declared three days of national mourning following the death of former President Liamine Zeroual, who passed away at the age of 84.
According to an official statement from the presidency, Zeroual died at a military hospital in Algiers after a prolonged illness. Authorities also ordered flags to be flown at half-mast nationwide in his honour.
Born on July 3, 1941, in Batna, Zeroual rose through the ranks as a member of the National Liberation Army, the armed wing of the National Liberation Front that played a pivotal role in Algeria’s fight for independence from France.
He later became a central figure during one of the country’s most turbulent periods, leading a transitional government amid civil unrest. In 1995, he supervised Algeria’s first multi-party presidential election, winning by a wide margin.
Despite his electoral mandate, Zeroual stepped down in 1998 before completing his term, paving the way for his successor, Abdelaziz Bouteflika, who would go on to govern Algeria for two decades.
After leaving office, Zeroual maintained a low public profile but remained widely respected for his efforts in stabilising the country during a critical chapter in its history.
