Ali Abdullah Saleh Biography

Becomes president of the Yemen Arab Republic.

Takes power after months of political instability.

Appointed President of the Yemen

Helps establish the General People's Congress.

The organisation becomes the principal vehicle of his government.

The accord accelerates preparation for a single republic.

Agrees with southern leaders on steps toward Yemeni unification.

The Republic of Yemen is formally proclaimed.

Becomes president when North and South Yemen unite.

Government forces defeat the southern secession attempt.

Leads the government during the Yemeni civil war.

Government forces capture Aden and end organized southern resistance.

Saleh preserves the unified Republic of Yemen.

Wins Yemen's first direct presidential election.

Secures a new mandate as president of the unified republic.

Signs a border treaty with Saudi Arabia.

The agreement resolves a longstanding territorial dispute.

Yemeni authorities cooperate with international investigators.

Government responds after the USS Cole is bombed in Aden.

The fighting begins repeated rounds of war in Saada.

Government forces enter conflict with followers of Hussein al-Houthi.

Wins another presidential election.

Remains in office amid growing opposition and regional unrest.

Demonstrations expand as Yemen joins the Arab Spring.

Faces mass protests demanding political change.

Faces a political crisis after protesters are killed in Sanaa.

Senior officials and military commanders begin defecting.

Is seriously wounded in an attack on the presidential compound.

Leaves Yemen for medical treatment in Saudi Arabia.

Returns after medical treatment in Saudi Arabia.

Political negotiations over transferring power continue.

Signs the Gulf Cooperation Council transition agreement.

Agrees to transfer presidential powers to his deputy.