Ailing Algerian President Bouteflika makes rare public appearance

Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika has made a rare public appearance following ongoing fears about the leader's health.

The wheelchair bound Bouteflika attended the opening of a new international conference centre in Algiers, state media said, flanked by his younger brother Said.

The president unveiled a plaque at the site before touring parts of the new complex.

It was his first public appearance in over a year.

Bouteflika is in his fourth term in office, but a stroke in 2013 has impeded his mobility and speech leading many to question how long he can lead the country. 

The 79-year-old last appeared in public at a cemetery for those who fought for Algeria's independence are buried in July 2015.

Algerian media and social networks have speculated on who will succeed the man who has led the country since 1999 and has strong support among the military.