Algeria's Bouteflika resigns amid mass protests – state media: APS news agency says longtime president has informed Algeria's constitutional council of his decision to step down.

Algeria’s President Abdelaziz Bouteflika has resigned after weeks of mass protests against his 20-year rule, according to state media.

The 82-year-old leader announced he was standing down in a statement carried by the APS news agency on Tuesday, hours after Algeria’s army chief demanded immediate action to remove Bouteflika from office.

Ahmed Gaid Salah said constitutional means to declare the president unfit to rule should be applied immediately.

“There is no more room to waste time… We decided clearly…to stand with the people so all their demands get fulfilled,” Salah said after a meeting with senior officers.