President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, the Algerian President since 1999 and whose 82 years old. Who is now seeking re-election for his fifth term. The current day president has been staying in power and part of government until coups in the past. He used a Coup in 1965, when he helped Houari Boumedienne unto power, which also gave him a noble ministerial post of the Foreign Minister. From 1965 until 1979 when the President died. Bouteflika lost power, as the army picked another man for the presidency and an corruption case in 1981. Put him in self-inflicted exile.
However, his time in power and ability to gain office wasn’t over. After waiting from his return in 1987 until 1999. He won an election and never looked back. After that he has won elections, in 2004, also in 2009. The third term was made possible, because they changed he Constitution so he could stand another term. While the latest election done in 2014 was marred with rigging and 90% of the votes. Also, there was already speculation of his heath back then, as the President was known for his stroke during April 2013. Which means, that his deteriorating health has been an issues since 2013 and is now 6 years of it.
Therefore, with the knowledge of 2013, there was reporting of him going on periodical medical treatment in Geneva, Switzerland. That is why his condition does sound stronger, but with age, it shouldn’t get better either. That is part of ageing. Your body is weakening, and with one stroke already. The weakness and tiredness is already possibly in the bones. That is why he need specialized treatment.
What is special, as that the President is such a vital person in the Republic. Bouteflika is the Head of State and the President. He has already been mentioned as the Invisible President and that might be righteous. Since, he isn’t really mentioned for anything in the recent years.
Who knows what the invisible guy does in Algeria. As he is the supposed rule since 1999, the former Foreign Minister of old. The 82 year old man, who plans to rule another extended term. Who knows whose the big-man behind him and who possibly controls the situation. As the ageing and the lack of health clearly cannot ensure the vision nor the energy to run the Republic.
Also, this President will be known for lifting the State of Emergency in 2011, as the President gazetted it in February 2011, to end the one that had started back in 1992. Therefore, he has done something, but that doesn’t justify his continued rule. Like he is the only man who can rule Algeria. Certainly, there are plenty more fish in the sea, who has as much capacity as him.
It cannot only be him dictating life and controlling it, by force or by being invisible. The President is really special, as there is a planed election in April 2019 to continue rule. That is a man who want to be President for life. A man who took power after massacres and made dozens of amnesties. Seen several of killings over the years and total silence. As the state controls the media and everything else.
We can wonder if the reconciliation and peace deals made during his presidency will matter, if the unanswered questions on all the disappeared people before and after he took power. The pardons and the other agreements done with the military. All of the deals that ensure the President power and keeps him there. Also, when will be his next press conference and a public speech?
When and what gives really?
Who will dare challenging him?
And when is final day in power?
Peace.
MinBane 