Former Algerian President Liameen Zorual passed away on Saturday at the age of 84, leaving behind a mixed legacy in Algeria's history. While Zorual is considered a respected figure by many Algerians, some still harbor feelings of anger towards him due to the events that followed his resignation.
Zorual resigned from his position in 1998, paving the way for the rise of Abdelaziz Bouteflika, who remained in power until 2019 amid massive public pressure. Despite this, Zorual rejected offers from various political figures to return to political life after Bouteflika's resignation, emphasizing the need for the people to determine their own fate.
Details of the Event
Liameen Zorual was born on July 3, 1941, in Batna, the capital of the Aurès region in Algeria. He joined the People's National Army at the age of sixteen, participating in the war of independence against French colonialism. After independence in 1962, Zorual continued his military career, receiving training in Egypt, the Soviet Union, and France.
Zorual rose through the military ranks to become the commander of ground forces in 1989, but he clashed with military leadership over the restructuring of the army, leading to his departure from the military and a brief appointment as ambassador to Romania.
Background & Context
In 1992, following the cancellation of legislative elections and the rise of the Islamic Salvation Front, Algeria began to head towards civil war. After the assassination of President Mohamed Boudiaf in 1993, Zorual was contacted to become Minister of Defense and then Head of State in 1994, after Bouteflika refused to take power.
In November 1995, Zorual won the first free presidential elections in Algeria, but his presidency was fraught with challenges as he faced terrorist attacks from the Armed Islamic Group, making it one of the most difficult periods of his political life.
Impact & Consequences
Zorual resigned in September 1998 under political and media pressure, leading to the rise of Bouteflika, who adopted the army's plan to end the civil war. Despite his resignation, Zorual continued to monitor political events from afar, criticizing Bouteflika's policies on several occasions and refusing to return to the political arena.
In 2014, Zorual expressed concern over Bouteflika's potential candidacy for a fourth term, warning that it would be the last opportunity for a genuine transition in Algeria.
Regional Significance
Zorual's experience in governance serves as an example of the challenges faced by Arab countries in their journey towards democracy. His resignation and refusal to return to politics reflect a desire for genuine change in the political system, aligning with the popular demands witnessed in Algeria in 2019.
The situation in Algeria illustrates how political changes in one country can impact the entire region, as other peoples look to achieve democracy and justice.