First president of independent Algeria. Overthrown by Houari Boumediene in a coup.
Houari Boumediene
Term: June 19, 1965 – December 27, 1978
Ruled as head of the Revolutionary Council, later as president. Known for hydrocarbon nationalization and socialist reforms.
Rabah Bitat (Acting President)
Term: December 27, 1978 – February 9, 1979
Assumed interim presidency after Boumediene’s death until new elections.
Chadli Bendjedid
Term: February 9, 1979 – January 11, 1992
Oversaw economic liberalization and the shift to multi-party politics. Resigned during political turmoil that led to civil war.
Mohamed Boudiaf (Head of State / High Council of State)
Term: January 16, 1992 – June 29, 1992
Assassinated after only six months in office.
Ali Kafi (Head of State / High Council of State)
Term: July 2, 1992 – January 30, 1994
Took over leadership during the early years of the Algerian Civil War.
Liamine Zeroual
Term: January 30, 1994 – April 27, 1999
A general who sought national reconciliation and organized early presidential elections.
Abdelaziz Bouteflika
Term: April 27, 1999 – April 2, 2019
The longest-serving president of Algeria (20 years). Forced to resign following mass protests during the Hirak movement.
Abdelkader Bensalah (Acting President)
Term: April 9, 2019 – December 19, 2019
Served as interim leader after Bouteflika’s resignation until elections were held.
Since gaining independence from France in 1962, Algeria has experienced a diverse and often turbulent political history. The country’s leadership reflects the struggles of nation-building, military influence, democratization efforts, and popular resistance. Here’s an overview of Algeria’s past presidents and their impact on the nation.
1. Mohamed Ahmed Ben Bella (1962 – 1965)
First president of Algeria after independence.
Co-founder of the National Liberation Front (FLN).
Advocated for Arab socialism and agrarian reform.
Overthrown in a coup led by Houari Boumediene in 1965.
2. Houari Boumediene (1965 – 1978)
Rose to power through a bloodless coup.
Known for hydrocarbon nationalization (1971) and state-led industrialization.
Strengthened Algeria’s role in the Non-Aligned Movement.
Died in office in 1978.
3. Rabah Bitat (Acting President, 1978 – 1979)
Took charge after Boumediene’s death.
Oversaw the transition until elections.
4. Chadli Bendjedid (1979 – 1992)
Introduced political liberalization and allowed multi-party politics.
His reforms triggered political unrest, leading to the 1991 crisis and civil war.
Resigned in 1992 under military pressure.
5. Mohamed Boudiaf (1992)
A historic FLN leader and member of the revolutionary “Group of 22.”
Called back from exile to lead Algeria as head of the High Council of State.
Assassinated after six months in power.
6. Ali Kafi (1992 – 1994)
Took over as head of state during the early years of the Algerian Civil War.
His tenure was transitional, focused on stabilizing the country.
7. Liamine Zeroual (1994 – 1999)
A career general who became president during the civil war.
Promoted national reconciliation and organized elections.
Resigned early, paving the way for Bouteflika.
8. Abdelaziz Bouteflika (1999 – 2019)
The longest-serving president in Algeria’s history.
Known for the Charter for Peace and National Reconciliation and economic rebuilding.
Later years marred by corruption scandals and declining health.
Resigned in 2019 amid mass protests during the Hirak movement.
9. Abdelkader Bensalah (Acting President, 2019)
Served as interim president after Bouteflika’s resignation.
Oversaw elections that led to Algeria’s next political phase.
Algeria’s presidential history reflects the nation’s struggles for independence, post-colonial state-building, political crises, and democratic aspirations. From Ben Bella’s revolutionary zeal to Bouteflika’s two-decade rule and eventual ouster, each leader left a distinct mark on the nation’s political landscape.
