Chadli Bendjedid President of Algeria from 1979 to 1992 Date of Birth: 14.04.1929 Country: Algeria

1. Early Life and Military Career
2. Rise to Power
3. Presidency
4. Civil War and Removal from Power
5. Later Years and Death

Early Life and Military Career

Chadli Bendjedid was born into a farming family in 1929. He joined the French army and fought in Indochina in 1954. Upon the outbreak of the Algerian War of Independence in the same year, Bendjedid joined the National Liberation Front (FLN) and its military wing, the National Liberation Army (ALN). He rose through the ranks, eventually commanding the Constantine military zone in 1958.

Rise to Power

After Algeria gained independence in 1962, Bendjedid held several high-ranking military positions. In 1969, he attained the rank of Colonel. Following the death of President Houari Boumédiène in 1978, Bendjedid served as Minister of Defense and coordinator of the army. He was seen as a compromise candidate for the presidency and was elected in February 1979.

Presidency

As President, Bendjedid pursued economic liberalization and reduced state surveillance. However, the declining oil prices in the late 1980s led to a worsening economic situation, triggering protests in 1988. In response, Bendjedid initiated a transition to multi-party democracy.

Civil War and Removal from Power

In 1991, the Islamic Salvation Front (FIS) won the first round of multi-party elections. Fearful of an Islamist takeover, the military intervened and canceled the second round. Bendjedid was deposed, and the Algerian Civil War ensued.

Later Years and Death

After stepping down from the presidency, Bendjedid lived in exile in Morocco and France. He passed away in 2012 at the age of 83.