Ahmed Gaid Salah vs Joaquin Crespo

Ahmed Gaid Salah was appointed Chief of Staff of the Algerian People's National Army in 2004. He became the most powerful military figure in Algeria, overseeing the armed forces for over a decade under President Bouteflika.

On March 26, 2019, Gaid Salah publicly called for President Abdelaziz Bouteflika to resign, citing the need to end the political crisis sparked by the Hirak protests. This marked a turning point, as the military withdrew support from Bouteflika.

After Bouteflika's resignation on April 2, 2019, Gaid Salah became the de facto power broker in Algeria. He oversaw the arrest of key Bouteflika allies on corruption charges and the organization of a presidential election in December 2019.

Crespo led a successful coup against President Raimundo Andueza Palacio, seizing power in Venezuela. He established a dictatorship and ruled as a caudillo, relying on military force and personal loyalty.

Crespo suppressed the Liberal Revolution, an uprising led by his political opponents. The rebellion was crushed with heavy casualties, and Crespo consolidated his control over the country.

Crespo negotiated with the United Kingdom over the boundary dispute between Venezuela and British Guiana. The dispute was submitted to international arbitration, which ultimately ruled against Venezuela, but Crespo's efforts were seen as defending national sovereignty.

Crespo was killed in battle at La Mata Carmelera while fighting against a rebellion led by General Jos