Ahmed ‘Gaid’ Salah, Algeria’s military chief and de facto ruler since the April 2019 ouster of former President Bouteflika (and some would say before) died of a heart attack on 23 December.
Gaid Salah displayed a ruthless streak in recent months in a bid to ensure a continuation of the country’s military-dominated system in the face of widespread protests – first in pushing aside Mr Bouteflika and then in spearheading the round up and show trial of many in the former president’s circle, including his brother (MEES, 27 September 2019). (CONTINUED - 202 WORDS)