Sid Ahmed Ghozali, the former Algerian Prime Minister, passed away on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at the age of 88 in the military hospital in Algiers, as announced by public television. A significant figure in Algerian politics, he had a profound impact during the period of political and security instability, particularly during the presidencies of Chadli Bendjedid and Mohamed Boudiaf in the early 1990s.
Sid Ahmed Ghozali, a graduate from the École des Ponts et Chaussées in Paris, began his career in 1964 as Under-Secretary of State for Public Works. He later served as CEO of Sonatrach until 1977, then became the Minister of Energy and Petrochemical Industries that same year, and Minister of Hydraulics from 1979 to 1980.
His political career continued with roles as Minister of Finance (1988-1989) and Foreign Affairs (1989-1991). In June 1991, he was appointed head of government, succeeding Mouloud Hamrouche. This period was marked by the organization of Algeria’s first pluralistic legislative elections on December 26, 1991.
After his term, he served as Algeria’s ambassador to Paris from 1992 to 1994.
Sid Ahmed Ghozali attempted to run for president twice, in 1999 and 2004, against Abdelaziz Bouteflika.
An eloquent speaker, he has been involved in geostrategic forums since 1998.
Rest in peace.
