Algeria: Army chief calls for Bouteflika's 'departure'

ALGIERS

Algerian Army Chief of Staff Lieut.-Gen. Ahmed Ahmed Saleh demanded Tuesday the "immediate departure" of President Abdelaziz Bouteflika.

Saleh reiterated the military’s commitment to the "implementation of a constitutional article on the vacancy of the president post in the country," in a statement. "Our decision is clear and irreversible, as we stand with the people until their demands are fulfilled."

The military leader’s statement came one day after Bouteflika vowed to resign before his term officially expires later this month.

Saleh considered Monday statement was issued "from non-constitutional powers, not directly from him."

"[The] Algerian army will not accept beyond constitution decisions," he added.

In February, the country’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 presidential bid, Bouteflika abruptly postponed the polls -- originally slated for April 18 -- and formally withdrew his candidacy.

Algerians have continued to stage demonstrations against the aging leader, who they accuse of unconstitutionally extending his fourth term in office.

Writing by: Ali Abo Rezeg