French President Emmanuel Macron has offered condolences to Abdelmadjid Tebboune following the death of former Algerian leader Liamine Zeroual, who passed away on March 28 at the age of 84, according to an official statement from the French presidency.
In his message, Macron paid tribute to Zeroual’s legacy, describing him as a statesman who “upheld the continuity of institutions and revived dialogue” during one of Algeria’s most challenging periods. The French presidency emphasized Zeroual’s role in maintaining state stability at a time when the country faced significant internal security threats.
Zeroual, a former military officer and mujahid, led Algeria from 1994 to 1999. He first assumed leadership in January 1994 before being elected later that year with more than 60% of the vote in Algeria’s first pluralist presidential election. His presidency came during the height of the country’s conflict with armed groups following the political crisis of the early 1990s.
He died at the Aïn Naâdja Central Army Hospital in Algiers and was laid to rest in his hometown of Batna on March 30, in the presence of President Tebboune. His death prompted a wave of international condolences, with several global leaders expressing sympathy and recognition of his role in Algeria’s modern history.
Among those who sent messages were Xi Jinping, Kais Saïed, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, along with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The tributes underscore Zeroual’s enduring legacy as a leader who guided Algeria through a turbulent chapter while laying foundations for institutional continuity and political dialogue.
Sami B. is the founder and editor of Algeria News Gate, an independent English-language platform covering Algeria’s political, economic, and business developments. Based in Europe, he reports on official announcements, economic trends, and international relations involving Algeria.