Algerian Leader Resigns: BBC

Algeria's President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, in power since 1999, has resigned following weeks of massive street protests, reports BBC News. The president had already promised not to run for a fifth term, with the current term ending April 28, but the army said he was no longer fit for the position. Protesters want sweeping reforms and an end to corruption. “The demonstrations have also called for the whole political system, in which the military plays a significant role, to be overhauled,” reports BBC News. There were accusations that Mr Bouteflika was being used as a front by ‘le pouvoir’ – a group of businessmen, politicians and military officials – to retain their power.” The chairman of the upper house of parliament, Abdelkader Bensalah, is expected to become caretaker president for three months until elections can be held. Algeria, with 41 million people, has an economy ranked 35th in the world and Africa’s fourth largest. But the economy over-reliant on fossil fuels. – YaleGlobal