ALGERIA: Bouteflika warns of ‘chaos’ ahead of fresh protests

Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika has warned of a risk of “chaos” amid protests against his re-election plans. In a letter, Mr Bouteflika, 82, praised demonstrators for “peacefully expressing their opinions”. But he also urged “vigilance” against possible infiltration of the protests by “domestic and foreign” forces. Mr Bouteflika announced last month that he would seek […]

Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika has warned of a risk of “chaos” amid protests against his re-election plans.

In a letter, Mr Bouteflika, 82, praised demonstrators for “peacefully expressing their opinions”.

But he also urged “vigilance” against possible infiltration of the protests by “domestic and foreign” forces.

Mr Bouteflika announced last month that he would seek a fifth term.

He has ruled Algeria for 20 years but has rarely been seen in public since he had a stroke in 2013.