Acclaimed author Yasmina Khadra joins Algerian presidential race

PARIS - France 24

A file picture taken on September 7, 2012 shows Algerian novelist Yasmina Khadra (Mohammed Moulessehoul) standing outside Notre Dame d'Afrique (Our Lady of Africa) cathedral in Algiers. AFP photo

In 2001, novelist Yasmina Khadra shocked the literary world by revealing his true identity. Hidden behind the pen name was not a woman, as the name Yasmina suggests, but an Algerian army commander with 36-years of service under his belt.

The award-winning novelist, whose real name is Mohammed Moulessehoul, has surprised Algerians again this month by announcing that he intends to run in the country’s presidential election in April.

“I am an author, but above all I am an Algerian who is concerned about his country’s future,” the 58-year-old novelist told FRANCE 24 over the weekend. “I patiently waited for an honest and credible candidate to step forward. But no one ever did, so I have decided to join the race myself.”

Algeria's President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, 76, has served three terms since 1999, but has not yet announced whether he will stand for re-election in 2014.

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