Algeria’s president Abdelaziz Bouteflika (82) has announced that he will not seek a fifth term in office, amid mass protests against plans to extend his 20-year rule.

“There will be no fifth term. There was never any question of it for me. Given my state of health and age, my last duty towards the Algerian people was always contributing to the foundation of a new Republic, ” Bouteflika said.

President Abdelaziz Bouteflika also through a statement postponed the elections, which had been scheduled for April 18, even though new election dates have not been given.

The statement by Abdelaziz Bouteflika also announced a planned cabinet reshuffle.

President Abdelaziz Bouteflika bid to seek a fifth term had sparked widespread demonstrations in the country. The ailing Bouteflika, who is confined to a wheelchair, has ruled Algeria for the last 20 years. He suffered a stroke in 2013.

The Algerian media also reported that Prime Minister Ahmed Ouyahia resigned and Bouteflika has named Interior Minister Noureddine Bedoui to replace him and charged him with forming a new government.