Algeria’s ailing head of state of two decades is seeking forgiveness from his people after being forced to step down in the wake of mass protests against his elitist government. “We hope that, whatever happens, the internal processes under way in this country and which are wholly a matter for interior affairs are allowed to run their course without any interference from third countries,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. “We hope that the political changes will by no means affect the friendly nature of our relations,” he added.
Algeria’s foreign minister recently visited Moscow and the countries have been close economic and geopolitical allies since the Soviet era.
Abdelaziz Bouteflika’s 20 year rule came to an end on Tuesday following six weeks of protests calling for democratic reforms and a final push by the military, which urged him to step down.
The anti-government protests were initially sparked by Mr Bouteflika’s plan to seek a fifth mandate in elections this month, which have since been postponed.
In a letter published by the state news agency APS on Wednesday, the 82-year-old called on Algeria’s citizens “to stay united, never divide yourselves.”
Mr Bouteflika, who has rarely been seen in public or heard speaking since suffering a serious stroke in 2013, admitted that some of his actions as president had been unsuccessful, saying: “I ask your forgiveness for any failing toward you.”
Protesters in Algeria (Image: RYAD KRAMDI/AFP/Getty Images)
Abdelaziz Bouteflika’s 20 year rule came to an end on Tuesday (Image: AFP/Getty Images)
