November 11, 2008. Copyright 2008, Graphic News. All rights reserved

A balancingÊact for Algeria's President Bouteflika
By Joanna Griffin

LONDON, November 11, Graphic News:  Algeria's President Abdelaziz Bouteflika claims running for an unprecedented third term when his current presidency expires in 2009 will boost democracy in Africa's third biggest economy, a move seen by the OPEC member's opposition as a ruse to let the 71-year-old stay in office for life.

To many, Bouteflika remains the saviour who restored peace after years of brutal civil war, and has brought social and economic revival to the North African country. To others, however, he is an unwelcome intruder from an elite class who has preferred to brush the painful past under the carpet and is too eager to maintain personal power.

But by far the bigger challenge facing Bouteflika is steering his country away from the dangers of Islamic extremism while preserving its identity. In 2008 bomb attacks on the capital have served as a reminder of the dangers of Islamic terrorism -- though this is hardly something Algerians are likely to forget.

Born in Tlemcen in 1937, Bouteflika was a veteran of the war of independence from France and served as foreign minister for 16 years until 1979. His westernised style helped him on the international stage but alienated him within the ruling National Liberation Front. He spent much of the 1980s in exile to escape corruption charges.

After winning the presidency in 1999, Bouteflika introduced a national reconciliation plan to end the bloody civil war that erupted after the army blocked an Islamist victory in 1992 polls. His decision to grant amnesty to Islamic terrorists remains controversial while his five-year plans are widely credited with reviving the economy.

Bouteflika was accused of vote-rigging after his landslide victory in 2004 polls, but many Algerians seem prepared to overlook such claims to keep their trusted leader. Despite tensions with France over its education on the colonial period, he is also popular with foreign governments who see him as an ally in a restive region.
/ENDS