Algeria leader back to Germany for COVID-19-linked treatment

Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune returned Sunday to Germany, where he spent two months for treatment of a COVID-19 infection, this time to treat a related foot problem, presidency anunced.

complication from coronavirus infection was initially to be treated during his stay, cut short by pressing presidential issues at home, statement said.

Tebboune, 75, disappeared from radar of his rth African nation after leaving for treatment Oct. 28. name of clinic caring for him was never anunced and he spoke to nation only shortly before his return Dec. 29.

Before boarding a plane to Germany on Sunday, he said he would undergo an operation as part of follow-up care, describing intervention as “light" and saying he would follow national issues during his brief absence. He provided details on operation.

Tebboune thanked officials “for ir mobilization, firstly army."

Tebboune was elected president in December, months after former President Abdelaziz Bouteflika was pushed from power in April 2019 by pro-democracy demonstrators and army chief after 20 years at helm.