Algeria celebrates Bouteflika’s resignation
Algerians are celebrating President Abdelaziz Bouteflika’s resignation after 20 years in power and weeks of mass protests, The Associated Press reports.
Several hundred people gathered in front of the central post office in downtown Algiers, the capital, on Tuesday night after his announcement.
The crowd was peaceful, singing songs and waving Algerian flags while drivers passing by honked horns in celebration.
An official in Bouteflika’s office told The Associated Press that the leader resigned, a few weeks before the end of his fourth term. The move came after six weeks of mass protests and soon after the army chief urged him to step down immediately.
The Constitutional Council is expected to meet Wednesday to confirm the resignation and declare the president of the upper house of parliament as interim leader for 90 days until presidential elections are held.