Algerians celebrate departure of Bouteflika

Several hundred people gathered in front of the central post office in downtown Algiers, the capital, on Tuesday night following the announcement he will be stepping down.

The crowd was peaceful, singing songs and waving Algerian flags while drivers passing by honked horns in celebration.

"Allahu Akbar (God is Great)," shouted a man on a live television broadcast, Reuters reported.

Earlier on Tuesday, Bouteflika informed the Constitutional Council that he is resigning in a move that is to take effect immediately, APS reported.

Bouteflika "officially advised the Constitutional Council of the end of his term of office as President of the Republic", said a news ticker on the television.

The Constitutional Council is expected to meet on Wednesday to confirm the resignation and declare the president of the upper house of parliament as interim leader for 90 days until presidential elections are held.