Algerian president resigns after 20 years

In a brief statement by the presidential cabinet, Bouteflika said significant <x0-steps would be taken to ensure the continuation of the functioning of state institutions” during the transition period after leaving the country he was from 1999, the AP reports.

Millions of Algerians have protested throughout the country each week, demanding that Bouteflika resign along with his loyal cadres.

The 83-year-old president rarely appears in public after undergoing a brain attack in 2013. He initially declared candidacy for the fifth term, then withdrew and postponed elections in response to mass protests.