Algerian army scapegoats two former PMs ahead of unpopular elections

Two Prime Ministers who both served under President Abdelaziz Bouteflika were sentenced to lengthy prison terms on corruption related charges in a move that aims to appease the anger of Algerian protesters ahead of unpopular elections next Thursday. Ahmed Ouyahia and Abdelmalek Sellal, close allies of Bouteflika, received 15 years in prison and $16,000 in […]

Algeria’s Double Speak on Maghreb Union

Algerian officials continue to issue statements calling for reviving the paralyzed Maghreb Union, a five-member regional grouping also comprising Morocco, Mauritania, Tunisia and Libya. Recently, President Abdelaziz Boutefika sent messages on the 29th anniversary of the Union to Maghreb leaders urging collective efforts to reinvigorate the union. Few days later, Algeria’s Foreign Minister said, during […]

Sarkozy Appoints Dati Political Advisor Ahead of Presidential Race

Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy appointed his former Justice Minister Rachida Dati political advisor, after he launched last week his campaign for the center-right primaries. The appointment of Dati, the first woman of north African descent to hold a major government post, came as no surprise as Sarkozy seeks to mend ties with her and […]