Algerian General Ahmed Gaïd Salah, the former chief of staff of the Algerian People's National Army (ANP), was laid to rest on Sunday at the El-Alia cemetery in Algiers. His funeral was attended by high-ranking officials, foreign diplomats, and fellow soldiers. Gaïd Salah passed away on Friday after suffering a heart attack. The Algerian presidency announced that a national tribute would be paid to him at the People's Palace, where condolences from foreign leaders and dignitaries poured in.
The funeral procession began at the People's Palace, where Gaïd Salah's body was paid tribute by officials and dignitaries. His body was then taken to the El-Alia cemetery, where he was buried in the martyrs' section after the Dohr prayer. The Algerian presidency stated that the funeral would be a national event, with condolences from across the country and abroad. Many foreign leaders and dignitaries sent messages of condolence to the Algerian people and the family of the deceased.
Tributes to Gaïd Salah have been pouring in from across Algeria and the world. The National Independent Election Authority (ANIE) president, Mohamed Charfi, described Gaïd Salah as a "man of exceptional caliber" who guided Algeria through difficult times. Charfi added that Gaïd Salah was a "martyr of duty" who had earned the trust of the nation. The Director-General of Civil Protection, Colonel Boualem Boughlef, remembered Gaïd Salah as a national figure who dedicated his life to serving Algeria.
Many Algerian political parties and organizations have expressed their condolences to the family of Gaïd Salah and the ANP. The FLN, Union Nahda-Adala-Bina, and independent parliamentary groups described Gaïd Salah as a "father, leader, and militant" who had played a crucial role in steering Algeria through a difficult period. They remembered him as a leader who had successfully navigated the country through a crisis and led it to a peaceful resolution.
Other Algerian parties, including Tajamoue Amel El Jazair, El-Islah, and Talaie El-Hourriyet, also paid tribute to Gaïd Salah. They described him as a hero and a Moudjahid who had dedicated his life to defending Algeria's borders and contributing to its stability. The parties noted that Gaïd Salah had played a key role in accompanying the Algerian people during the Hirak movement and ensuring a peaceful transition.
International organizations, including the Arab Maghreb Union (UMA), have also expressed their condolences to the Algerian people. UMA Secretary-General Saïd Mokaddem sent a message of condolence on behalf of the organization's Council of the Choura. The Forum of Algerian Business Leaders (FCE) remembered Gaïd Salah as a "leader of exceptional caliber" who had guided Algeria with wisdom and foresight during a grave crisis.
The Algerian people and leaders continue to mourn the loss of General Ahmed Gaïd Salah. His legacy is being remembered across the country, with many describing him as a protector of the nation and a father to the people. The Caliph General of the Tidjania brotherhood, Cheikh Mohamed Benali El Arabi, noted that Gaïd Salah had honored his commitment to Algeria through his wisdom and foresight.
Key points
- Algerian General Ahmed Gaïd Salah was laid to rest on Sunday at the El-Alia cemetery in Algiers.
- A national tribute was paid to Gaïd Salah at the People's Palace, where condolences from foreign leaders and dignitaries poured in.
- Tributes to Gaïd Salah have been pouring in from across Algeria and the world, with many describing him as a hero and a leader who dedicated his life to serving Algeria.
