National Tributes: Death of former president Liamine Zéroual – 3 days of national mourning
With great sadness The Presidency of the Republic announced on Saturday night the death of former President Liamine Zéroual, a veteran of the Algerian War of Independence, at the Mohamed Seghir Nekkache Military Hospital in Algiers, following a long illness.
In a statement, the Presidency specified that the deceased passed away early Saturday evening, adding that a three-day period of national mourning has been declared throughout the country and at diplomatic missions abroad, with the national flag flying at half-mast.
Born in 1941 in Batna, Liamine Zéroual joined the ranks of the National Liberation Army (ALN) at a very young age during the Algerian War of Independence. After independence, he pursued a military career within the People’s National Army (ANP), holding several command positions before being appointed Minister of Defense in the early 1990s.
He came to power in 1994, amidst a severe security crisis marked by terrorist violence that shook the country following the interruption of the 1992 electoral process. Initially designated as head of state by the transitional authorities, he was subsequently elected President of the Republic in the November 1995 election, considered the first multi-party presidential election in independent Algeria.
During his term (1994-1999), Liamine Zéroual implemented a policy combining the fight against terrorism with initiatives for political dialogue, notably through the Rahma Law, aimed at encouraging the surrender of armed groups.
In September 1998, he announced his decision to shorten his term and call an early presidential election, held in April 1999. This decision, made in a context of political realignment and a stated desire to promote institutional transition, led to his withdrawal from political life after the election.
A prominent figure of the 1990s, Liamine Zéroual is remembered as a leader who exercised his responsibilities during a particularly critical period in history.
