An Algerian government plane believed to be carrying President Abdelaziz Bouteflika took off from Geneva airport on Sunday afternoon. The Algerian president's office later said the 82-year-old had returned home after two weeks in Geneva for "periodic medical examinations".
Bouteflika, who suffered a stroke in 2013 and has rarely been seen in public, faces mass protests in Algeria over his plans to stand for a fifth term.
He was admitted to the Geneva University Hospital (HUG) on February 24 for “periodic medical examinations”, according to the Algerian presidency. But there has been much speculation about his condition and precise whereabouts.
Earlier on Sunday, an Algerian government Gulfstream 4SP jet landed at Geneva airport at 9.45am amid a heavy police presence. It is the same plane that brought Bouteflika to the western Swiss city on February 24.
On Sunday afternoon, reports showed a convoy of around half a dozen vehicles leaving the HUG escorted by police which later arrived at Geneva airport.
The Algerian government plane then took off just before 4pm, according to the Flight Radar site and a Keystone-ATS photographer at the airport.
Algerian media later reported that Bouteflika had landed at a military airport south of the capital Algiers and quickly departed in a convoy.
The president’s office announced in a statement on Sunday evening, cited by the official press agency APS, that Bouteflika had returned to Algeria on Sunday after two weeks in hospital in Geneva following “periodic medical examinations”.
The same day, thousands took to the streets of the capital, the latest in two weeks of rallies across the country against the veteran leader, carrying the Algerian flag and chanting: “Bouteflika, there will be no fifth term”. Many shops in Algiers were closed and residents say train services had been suspended.
The protestors reject the 82-year-old’s plans to seek re-election. Last Thursday, Boutekflika issued his first warning to protesters, saying the unrest could create chaos in North African country.
Most Read Swiss Abroad
More
Taxes on pension payments: no problem for the Swiss Abroad
Swiss central banker wants to boost equity to head off risks
This content was published on
Equity levels at the Swiss National Bank (SNB) are much too low for the risks its large balance sheet poses, according to Martin Schlegel.
Beer sales in Switzerland watered down by bad weather
This content was published on
The past brewing year fell through in Switzerland, partly due to the bad weather. Beer sales shrank again. For the first time, per capita consumption fell below the 50 liter mark.
Compensation for Syrian after pregnant wife denied help on Swiss train
This content was published on
Switzerland’s Federal Court has partially upheld the appeal of a Syrian family being deported from Switzerland to Italy in 2014. The man now also receives compensation.
Swiss-EU negotiations: Cassis to meet Sefcovic in Bern
This content was published on
Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis will meet the Vice-President of the EU Commission, Maros Sefcovic, in Bern on Wednesday.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Geneva lawyer files petition to place Bouteflika under guardianship
This content was published on
A lawyer has filed a petition with a Geneva court calling for Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika to be placed under a guardianship order.
Opposition figure arrested at Bouteflika’s hospital
This content was published on
Rachid Nekkaz was arrested at a hospital in Geneva on Friday where President Abdelaziz Bouteflika is being treated, Swiss police have said.
Algerians bombard Geneva hospital with Bouteflika calls
This content was published on
Geneva University Hospital has been inundated with calls from Algerians inquiring about their president Abdelaziz Bouteflika.
This content was published on
Around 100 Algerians demonstrated in Geneva on Monday against Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika who is seeking re-election.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.