Bendjedid, Chadli (1929-2012), was president of Algeria from 1979 to 1992. He slowed the pace of industrial development and devoted more resources to agricultural and consumer goods.
Bendjedid was born on April 14, 1929, in Annaba in east Algeria. In 1955, he joined the National Liberation Front (FLN), which wanted to overthrow the French rulers of Algeria. Bendjedid became a member of the revolutionary council, which governed Algeria after it achieved independence in 1962. In 1965 he supported Houari Boumedienne, who overthrew President Ahmed Ben Bella. Boumedienne died in 1978, and Bendjedid was first elected president in 1979. Bendjedid died on Oct. 6, 2012.
