The general will be best remembered for telling veteran President Abdelaziz Bouteflika he had to step down 

No details have been given for the cause of the death of one the last veterans of Algerian 1954-1962 war of independence with France.

Ahmed Gaid Salah became de facto leader of Algeria after Abdelaziz Bouteflika’s departure last April.

Pro-democracy protestors rejected the election he called on December 11, saying he was using it to cling to the power and influence held by the military and political elite since 1962.

Three days 0f mourning have been announced for the general who is replaced by General Said Chengriha.

Salah was particularly close to Algeria’s new President Abdelmadjid Tebboune.

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The ceremony took place with youthful protestors,  who have rejected last week’s election,  still on the streets.

Abdelmadjid Tebboune was sacked as Prime Minister by Abdelaziz Bouteflika who resigned last April after months of protestors by young people calling themselves the HIRAK.

They’ve rejected the election calling it a ploy by the ruling elite to retain the power they’ve held since Algeria became independent from France in 1962.

Tebboune is close to armed forces chief Ahmed Gaid Salah who attended the ceremony along with the four defeated presidential candidates.  He has promised to extend a hand to HIRAK, appoint young ministers and push for a new constitution.

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