This archive report was first published on 24 December 2019.
December 24, 2019, marked a significant turning point in Algerian politics with the death of General Ahmed Gaid Salah, the country's powerful army chief.
According to state television, Gaid Salah died without giving details on the cause of his death.
As the chief of Algeria's military for a record 15 years, Gaid Salah played a crucial role in pushing through December 12 presidential elections for Bouteflika's replacement, defying a months-long protest movement that demanded deep-rooted political reforms.
Despite his support for Bouteflika for years, Gaid Salah called on his boss to resign in early April, paving the way for Bouteflika's eventual departure.
However, Gaid Salah's decision to press on with the presidential vote on December 12 was met with resistance from the youth-led protest movement, which had demanded deep reforms, transitional institutions, and the dismantling of the military-dominated regime.
