Algeria
Algeria’s President Abdelaziz Bouteflika made a rare public appearance Thursday to inaugurate a conference centre.
Bouteflika who was last seen in public two years ago toured the site in a wheelchair.
Since suffering a stroke three years ago he has dramatically reduced his public activity, leading the opposition to question his ability to rule Africa’s country.
The rare appearances continue to fuel speculation about the 79-year-old president’s health.
Presidential polls are not due until 2019, but Bouteflika’s opponents have called for early elections because of his physical frailty.
Bouteflika is usually only seen in brief state television videos greeting visiting dignitaries at his presidential residence.
Talk of a transition comes at a time when Algeria is trying to cut spending and subsidies to offset a sharp drop in revenue from oil sales.
Reuters
01:09
Liberian president issues official apology to civil war victims
01:09
Guinea presents draft for new constitution, referendum set for September
01:44
For Yemeni-Americans, Trump's travel bans cause worry and uncertainty
01:09
United Kingdom backs Morocco's autonomy plan for Western Sahara
01:09
France and Algeria in deepening diplomatic crisis amid Tit-for-Tat expulsions
Go to video
Algeria commemorates thousands killed by French troops in 1945 massacres