Maghreb Edition

Algeria: Justice administration wants immunity of notorious member of parliament Tliba lifted

Posted On 9 September 2019

Number of times this article was read : 372

Baha Eddine Tliba, the billionaire member of the Algerian parliament representing the eastern city of Annaba appears to be on the radar screen of the Ministry of Justice. The latter officially asked on Monday the Algerian parliament to lift the parliamentary immunity Tliba has enjoyed for many years as an MP. Tliba is a controversial businessman involved in many corruption cases that could send him to jail for a long period. He is involved in shadowy affairs from the giant steel plant of El Hadjar to various real estate development projects in eastern Algeria. 

Pro-democracy and anti-government militants remain skeptical as to the ability of judges to go after Tliba considering his strong ties and allegiance to supporters of army chief Gaid Salah, including allegedly the General’s grandchildren. He is reported to be associated with Gaid Salah’s grandson in a company that had recently dissolved. A similar request to lift the immunity of Mohamed Djemai, the chief of the disgraced nationalist party FLN made the headlines of all newspapers in Algeria last week. Djemai, who also benefits from parliamentarian protection is widely considered by pro-democracy activists to be a major criminal figure and a baron of contraband trafficking in eastern Algeria.

The North Africa Journal's WhatsApp Group
.

Most Recent Stories from the Region

Niger Moves Uranium From SOMAÏR Mine Despite Arbitration Ruling

Niger’s military authorities have authorized the removal and transport of uranium from the SOMAÏR mine at Arlit without the involvement of longtime operator Orano, prompting the French nuclear group to denounce the shipment as illegal and in breach of a September 2025 World Bank–linked arbitration ruling. While Niamey signals plans to sell the stock on the open market as an assertion of resource sovereignty, the move raises legal, safety, and security concerns as uranium travels by road through conflict‑affected Sahel corridors.

Benin Soldiers Mount Brief Coup Attempt

In the span of a few hours on December 7, a small group of soldiers in Benin, West Africa, moved from night‑time attacks on senior officers’ homes to a televized announcement claiming they had removed President Patrice Talon and suspended the constitution. Forces loyal to the government swiftly retook the national broadcaster and key positions in Cotonou, and authorities now say the coup attempt has been defeated even as some officers remain missing and questions about the mutineers’ support network persist.

Written by The North Africa Journal

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.