ALGERIA’S longtime President Abdelaziz Bouteflika ended his term as ruler of the North African nation, state media reported Tuesday, following weeks of mass protests that called for the end of his almost 20-year tenure.

“President of the Republic Abdelaziz Bouteflika has officially notified the president of the Constitutional Council of his decision to end his term as President of the Republic,” said a curt statement from the official Algeria Press Service on Tuesday evening.

Bouteflika’s resignation came one day after he said he would end his fourth term before it was set to expire April 28.

The 82-year-old leader had infuriated Algerians earlier this year when he declared he would seek a fifth term in April’s presidential elections.

That announcement spurred street protests comprising tens of thousands of people. Despite repeated concessions, including canceling plans for a fifth term and extending his current tenure until a new constitution could be drafted, the demonstrations grew, calling on Bouteflika to step down. (SD-Agencies)