Lyamin Zerwal

Lyamin Zerwal

President of Algeria from January 31, 1994 to April 27, 1999.
Date of Birth: 03.07.1941
Country: Algeria

Content:
  1. Early Life and Military Career
  2. Diplomatic and Political Appointments
  3. Head of State during the Civil War
  4. Presidential Election and Reforms
  5. Resignation and Legacy

Early Life and Military Career

Born on July 3, 1941, in Batna, Algeria, Lamine Zeroual's early life was marked by the anti-colonial sentiments prevalent in North Africa. At age 16, he joined the National Liberation Army.

After Algeria's independence in 1962, Zeroual pursued military education in Moscow (graduating in 1965) and Paris (graduating in 1974). Upon returning home, he rose through the ranks, commanding the Algerian Air Force and leading a military academy in Batna.

Zeroual's military career included commanding the Tamanrasset Military Region (1982), the Moroccan border (1984), and Constantine (1987). In 1988, he attained the rank of general.

Diplomatic and Political Appointments

Despite disagreements with President Chadli Bendjedid, Zeroual was appointed commander of the land forces in 1989. However, he briefly left that post. From 1990 to 1991, he served as Algeria's ambassador to Romania.

Head of State during the Civil War

During Zeroual's absence, a civil war erupted between the government and Islamic fundamentalists. In January 1992, the military overthrew President Bendjedid. A military council of eight members took charge, including Zeroual. He soon became defense minister and, in 1993, was elected head of the council.

Zeroual vowed to halt the bloodshed and sought dialogue with the Islamic fundamentalists. However, economic distress led to the removal of subsidies, alienating the population. Terrorism and repression continued.

Presidential Election and Reforms

In 1995, Zeroual won the presidential election with 61% of the vote, despite a boycott by many parties. He implemented reforms that strengthened the presidency, including constitutional amendments in 1996 that weakened the parliament and allowed the president to appoint a third of its members.

Resignation and Legacy

In 1998, Zeroual unexpectedly announced his resignation two years before the end of his presidential term. Poor health and weariness of the ongoing civil war were cited as possible reasons. Abdel Aziz Bouteflika succeeded him in the 1999 presidential election.

© BIOGRAPHS