Algeria’s Abdelaziz Bouteflika dead at age 84

Plagued by health problems for years, the long-serving leader held onto power using repression and oil profits.

Former Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika died on Friday at age 84 after enduring years of ill health.

After suffering a crippling stroke in 2013, Bouteflika retreated from the public limelight. In 2014, he earned the nickname of “the phantom president” when he was elected for a fourth consecutive term – without even appearing in person on the campaign trail.

Bouteflika’s birthplace remains unknown for certain, as his official biography did not name any location. According to historians, however, Bouteflika was born in Oujda, Morocco, in 1937 to a modest family.