Algiers, Algeria – Former President Liamine Zeroual has died at the age of 84, Algerian authorities announced, prompting a period of national mourning across the country.
Zeroual passed away on Saturday, March 28, 2026, after a prolonged illness, according to an official statement from the presidency. The government has declared three days of national mourning, during which flags will be flown at half‑mast nationwide.
A distinguished military officer before entering politics, Zeroual served as Algeria’s president from 1994 to 1999, a period marked by intense internal conflict known as the “black decade.” During his tenure, he oversaw efforts to stabilize the country amid civil unrest and later organized the nation’s first presidential election under his leadership in 1995.
Born on July 3, 1941, in Batna, Zeroual joined the National Liberation Army as a youth, fighting for Algeria’s independence from French colonial rule before rising through the ranks of the nation’s military. After retiring from public life, he remained a respected figure in Algerian society.
His death has brought tributes from across the region and beyond, reflecting on his leadership during a turbulent chapter in Algeria’s modern history. In response to the announcement, national institutions, including sports leagues, postponed scheduled events as a mark of respect during the mourning period.
Zeroual’s passing marks the end of an era for a leader credited with guiding Algeria through one of its most challenging periods and leaving a legacy of measured decision‑making in times of crisis.
