Abdelmadjid Tebboune has paid tribute to former Algerian leader Liamine Zeroual, who has died at the age of 84, prompting three days of national mourning across Algeria. Images released by the presidency showed Tebboune standing in silence beside Zeroual’s coffin at the Mohamed Seghir Nekkache Military Hospital, where the former president passed away following a prolonged illness. Flags have been lowered to half-mast nationwide in honour of a leader widely regarded as a stabilising figure during one of the country’s darkest periods. Born in 1941 in Batna, eastern Algeria, Zeroual joined the National Liberation Army during the struggle for independence from French colonial rule, later building a distinguished military career. He rose to prominence in 1994 when he was appointed head of state at the height of Algeria’s civil war, a conflict that claimed an estimated 150,000 to 200,000 lives.
During his presidency, Zeroual sought to restore political legitimacy and national stability. In 1995, he oversaw Algeria’s first multi-party presidential election in decades, securing a strong mandate amid ongoing violence. His tenure also included efforts to open dialogue and reduce tensions during the conflict. In a surprising decision, Zeroual resigned in 1998 before completing his term, paving the way for the election of Abdelaziz Bouteflika in 1999. After stepping down, he largely withdrew from public life but remained a respected national figure. Zeroual is remembered for guiding Algeria through crisis and laying early foundations for political reform and reconciliation after years of unrest.
