Gaid Salah’s death thrusts Algeria into new political uncertainty as a tumultuous year comes to a close. Algeria’s military plays a central role in decision-making in this country, a key ally to Western powers in fighting Islamic extremism.
Born on Jan 13, 1940, Gaid Salah was a product of the old guard that won Algeria’s independence from La Belle France in 1962 after a brutal seven-year war. He died on Monday morning in the military hospital of Algiers after a heart attack, according to government statements.
Gaid Salah was seen as the main power player in Algeria after protesters with his backing pushed President Abdelaziz Bouteflika
...10th president-for-life of Algeria. He was elected in 1999 and served on his third or four terms. When he announced for the fifth, or maybe it was the sixth, visibly doddering, a grateful nation rose up in its wrath and threw him out...out of office in April after 20 years in power.
The military chief then championed an unprecedented push against corruption including by people in Bouteflika’s inner circle and pushed for new presidential elections earlier this month.
The winner, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, was widely seen as close to the military chief, and the two were seen warmly embracing at Tebboune’s inauguration just four days ago. Gaid Salah had suffered heart problems in the past, according to Algerian media reports, but his death came a shock to most Algerians.