History of Abdelaziz Bouteflika

Abdelaziz Bouteflika, born on March 2, 1937, in Oujda, Morocco, was a significant political figure in Algeria, serving as the country's longest-serving president. His political career was deeply intertwined with the modern history of Algeria, a country that experienced dramatic changes from French colonial rule to independence and subsequent internal turmoil.

Bouteflika became politically active during Algeria's war of independence against France, which lasted from 1954 to 1962. Joining the National Liberation Front (FLN), the leading movement fighting for liberation, Bouteflika was heavily involved in the fight for independence. His dedication and political acumen allowed him to rise swiftly through the ranks. After Algeria gained independence in 1962, he was appointed as Minister of Youth, Sports, and Tourism in the government of the first President, Ahmed Ben Bella, at the young age of 25. His rapid ascent continued as he was named Foreign Minister in 1963, a position he held until 1979. During this time, Bouteflika played a crucial role in establishing Algeria's post-independence foreign policy, advocating for non-alignment and Third World solidarity in the context of the Cold War.

Bouteflika’s years as Foreign Minister were marked by his active participation in the Non-Aligned Movement and his efforts to establish Algeria as a leader in the postcolonial world. He was involved in mediating conflicts and promoting anti-colonial movements across Africa and beyond. His diplomatic skills were acknowledged internationally, marking him as a prominent voice for newly independent countries.

However, Bouteflika's career faced challenges in the late 1970s when President Houari Boumédiène passed away. After Boumédiène's death in 1978, a power struggle ensued within the FLN, which led to Chadli Bendjedid’s presidency. Bouteflika soon found himself sidelined; he was accused of financial misconduct and self-exiled to various countries, including Switzerland and the UAE, from 1981 to 1987. Despite these allegations, Bouteflika maintained his ties to Algerian political life and returned to the country in the late 1980s.

The 1990s were a tumultuous period for Algeria, characterized by a brutal civil war that erupted after the military annulled elections amid fears of an Islamist government coming to power. Bouteflika maintained a low profile during this conflict but continued to harbor political ambitions. In 1999, he was elected President of Algeria with strong backing from the military and elements within the FLN, despite a boycott by opposition parties who claimed electoral fraud.

As president, Bouteflika inherited a country riven by conflict and economic difficulties. He implemented a policy of national reconciliation, which aimed to restore peace by offering amnesty to many Islamist fighters. This initiative significantly reduced violence and was instrumental in transitioning Algeria towards a semblance of stability. Economically, Bouteflika sought to revitalize Algeria through investment in infrastructure and energy sectors, emphasizing the importance of harnessing Algeria’s abundant oil and natural gas reserves to spur development.

Bouteflika sought to solidify his control over Algerian politics; he systematically accumulated power, curtailing the influence of both the military and political opposition. Amendments to the constitution under his leadership allowed him to secure successive terms in 2004, 2009, and 2014. His tenure saw Algeria increasingly controlled by a tight circle of loyalists, with Bouteflika becoming an emblematic face of stability and continuity for some and stagnation and authoritarianism for others.

Nevertheless, Bouteflika's health visibly declined after suffering a stroke in 2013, which left him rarely seen in public and often absent from public life. Despite this, he continued to rule, with many critics suggesting that his administration was overshadowed by those in his inner circle who wielded real power.

By 2019, discontent had grown significantly among the Algerian populace, fueled by economic challenges, high unemployment among youth, and perceptions of corruption and lack of genuine democratic processes. Bouteflika’s announcement of his candidacy for a fifth term sparked massive protests across Algeria, part of a movement known as the "Hirak." Facing mounting pressure, Bouteflika announced his resignation on April 2, 2019, ending his two-decade-long presidency.

Bouteflika’s legacy is complex. To some, he is seen as a figure who brought a measure of peace and stability to Algeria in the wake of civil strife. To others, his presidency is marked by missed opportunities for reform and democratization, with a leadership style that concentrated power and limited freedoms. Abdelaziz Bouteflika passed away on September 17, 2021, leaving behind a mixed legacy that continues to provoke debate among Algerians and observers of the region. His life and career remain a pivotal reference point for understanding the political evolution of Algeria in the post-independence era.