Bouteflika asks Algerians for ‘forgiveness’

Outgoing Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika has asked his country for “forgiveness” in a letter published by the Algerian Press Service.

The president, who has been in power for 20 years, said he was “proud” of his contributions but realised he had “failed in [his] duty”.

He added that he was “leaving the political stage with neither sadness nor fear” for Algeria’s future.



His resignation on Tuesday came after six weeks of anti-government protests.

Last week, Algeria’s army chief, Lt Gen Ahmed Gaed Salah, had called for him to stand down.

In a letter, the 82-year-old president expressed his “gratitude” for “the signs of affection and respect” from his “dear sisters and brothers”.

“To err being human, I ask forgiveness for any failing,” he continued.

Mr Bouteflika also “implored” Algerians “to remain united and never succumb to division” after his resignation.

Source: BBC