Maghreb Edition

Algeria: Military reshuffle confirms uncertainty ahead of electionsF

Posted On 23 August 2018

Number of times this article was read : 269

The North Africa Journal -By Hakim Briki – August 23, 2018: President Bouteflika has ordered an important military reshuffle, which might redefine the role of the armed forces in Algerian politic. Major Generals Habib Chentouf and Said El Bey, respectively the Commanders of the first (north center) and second (northwestern) military regions, have been dismissed on 19 August. According to the Algerian media, Habib Chentouf’s relationship with the Army Chief-of-Staff and Vice-Minister of Defense, Ahmed Gaid Salah, had turned sour. The same sources suggest that Chentouf, who is close to President Bouteflika, was gunning for Gaid Salah’s position. However, the dismissal of Said El Bey was unexpected. The Major General is known for his role in counter-terrorism in the Mitidja region, while he was the commander of the north central military region during the civil war.

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The North Africa Journal is a leading English-language publication focused on North Africa. The Journal covers primarily the Maghreb region and expands its general coverage to the Sahel, Egypt, and beyond, when events in those regions affect the broader North Africa geography. The Journal does not have any affiliation with any institution and has been independent since its founding in 1996. Our position is to always bring our best analysis of events affecting the region, and remain as neutral as humanly possible. Our coverage is not limited to one single topic, but ranges from economic and political affairs, to security, defense, social and environmental issues. We rely on our full staff analysts and editors to bring you best-in-class analysis. We also work with sister company MEA Risk LLC, to leverage the presence on the ground of a solid network of contributors and experts. Information on MEA Risk can be found at www.MEA-Risk.com.