Algeria: Bouteflika, a ghost-candidate in a presidential race!

In power since 1999, Abdelaziz Bouteflika suffered a stroke in 2013 that affected his ability to walk and to speak. Nailed in a wheelchair, he has hardly made any public appearances since then. Despite his poor health condition, the official news agency APS announced that Bouteflika would run for a fifth term in the presidential […]

The new extensive power of the Algerian President’s advisors, a troubling drift towards opacity & authoritarianism

Since President Abdelmadjid Tebboune came to power, presidential advisors have gained considerable influence, raising serious concerns about democracy and human rights in the country. This troubling shift towards opacity and authoritarianism has become a major cause for concern among both national and international observers. A parallel government composed of the president’s advisors, exerting significant influence […]

Egypt: Former Presidential hopeful, Vocal Critic of Sisi Arrested

Egyptian Security authorities announced Wednesday the arrest of Moneim Aboul-Fotouh, an ex-presidential candidate and vocal critic of President al-Sisi whom he urged step down for failing to address the country’s challenges. The candidate in the 2012 post revolution election was arrested upon his return from London where he gave an interview criticizing President al-Sisi and […]