Army Moves to Unseat Algerian President, Bouteflika

The Algerian Army has stepped in to ensure the exit of President Abdelaziz Bouteflika from office.

News Corner Reporter, Francis Emekwe reports that the Chief of Army Staff, Gaed Salah, in a televised announcement on Tuesday said that President of Algeria, Mr. Bouteflika was unfit for office.

Salah urged an immediate adoption of the country’s Article 102, which allows for a President to vacate office if declared unfit.

It was gathered that the development comes days after the 82-year-old leader said he would not stand for reelection for another term, following a wave of protest about six weeks ago.

The protests stemmed from Mr Bouteflika’s extended medical vacation in Switzerland, which citizens said was costing the country too much in terms of state business.

Mr Bouteflika, however, postponed the scheduled presidential elections to allow for some issues to be resolved.

The Chief of Army Staff said the Military was with the people, and their demand for a new leader would be looked into.

He therefore urged the country to activate constitutional provisions to ease Mr Bouteflika out of office without crisis.