Last Saturday, Algeria lost one of its most prominent military and political figures, former President Liamine Zeroual, who passed away at the age of 84. The deceased is considered one of the professional military men who graduated from the National Liberation Army school, having joined the revolution in his early youth in 1957 on the historical territory of Wilaya I, charting a career path full of field and academic responsibilities.
Zeroual led the country in the mid-1990s, a period described as the most difficult in Algeria's modern history due to the tumultuous security and political crisis. Despite reaching the pinnacle of power from the Ministry of Defense and the Chief of Staff, he maintained his strict and aloof personality, untouched by the temptations of remaining in power, which was evident in his surprising decision to shorten his term and organize early elections.
Zeroual's relationship with the centers of power in the deep state was complex, as he clashed on many occasions with influential generals, most notably Khaled Nezzar, which led him to resign from the Chief of Staff in the late 1980s. This repeated behavior of preferring withdrawal when principles conflicted with political reality enhanced his popularity among Algerians, who saw in him a model of integrity and asceticism.
On the diplomatic front, Zeroual is remembered for his famous stance of refusing to meet French President Jacques Chirac in New York, considering the meeting arrangements inappropriate for the stature of the Algerian state. This stance, along with his supervision of the 'Mercy Law' in 1995, contributed to breaking the international isolation imposed on the country and marked the beginning of the state's regaining its prestige in international forums.
After leaving the El Mouradia Palace in 1999, Zeroual chose to return to his hometown of Batna, away from the spotlight and official political activity. Despite attempts by many popular delegations to persuade him to return to the scene during the events of the popular movement in 2019, he remained steadfast in his decision to stay away, emphasizing that the generation of the revolution had fulfilled its duty to the homeland.
The death of the deceased sparked a wave of sadness and appreciation in Algerian circles, with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune declaring three days of national mourning with flags at half-mast. This step reflects the great respect Zeroual enjoys among the current leadership, especially since President Tebboune was always keen to visit him and consult him on major national issues.
Liamine Zeroual departs, leaving behind a legacy of controversy surrounding the 'Black Decade,' but he remains in the memory of many as that 'free Chaoui' who was not tainted by factional struggles. His experience proved that leaving power with dignity is no less important than assuming it, and that history vindicates those who placed the interest of national stability above their personal ambitions.
Zeroual left the presidency in 1998 with a decision that was not surprising to those who knew his asceticism regarding the manifestations of power and prestige, and his clean hands.
شارك برأيك
The Departure of Liamine Zeroual: The Military Man Who Shunned Power and Voluntarily Left It