Algeria’s army chief has called for long-term leader Abdelaziz Bouteflika to be declared unfit to rule. The statement comes after weeks of massive protests against the extension of the president’s fourth term.
“We must find a way out of this crisis immediately, within the constitutional framework,” Lt Gen Ahmed Gaed Salah said in a televised speech.
Upper house chairman Abdelkader Bensalah will reportedly be caretaker president for 45 days.
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Salah referred to Article 102 of the Algerian constitution which provides for the appointment of the parliament chairman as interim head of state, and organization of a snap election in the event that the president’s health prevents him from properly executing his duties.
Since suffering a severe stroke in 2013, President Bouteflika only moves around in a wheelchair, barely speaks and avoids public appearances.
Massive protests against Bouteflika’s fourth term as head of state have been underway across Algeria since mid-February.
The opposition claims the president doesn’t make his own decisions, while people from his inner circle exploit his poor health to rule the country as they please.
