Algeria’s Supreme Court on Thursday ordered the detention of former Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal as part of an anti-graft investigation. The move comes one day after another former premier, Ahmed Ouyahia, was ordered detained. Sellal, a close associate of former President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, is being tried on charges of “dissipation of public funds.” Authorities have also arrested several of the country’s wealthiest businessmen. Protests in Algeria continue despite Bouteflika's resignation as Algerians demand a transition to democracy and the trial of figures linked to the former regime. Read More
The head of the Sudanese Transitional Military Council has visited Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates, raising questions about Cairo’s role in Sudanese affairs.
Tunisia's financial and political quarters worry about an imminent liquidity crisis threatening the banking sector.
Algeria’s Constitutional Council on Sunday canceled the presidential election set for next month after rejecting the only two candidates who came forward. The interim presidency had designated July 4 for polling to replace Abdelaziz Bouteflika, who resigned in April after weeks of protests against his two-decade rule. The announcement extends the rule of interim President Abdelkader Bensalah until a new election is scheduled. Meanwhile, many Algerians continue to demonstrate in the street for a complete political overhaul. Read More
- Read why Salafi-jihadi groups stand to gain from Libya's renewed civil war.
- Algerian protesters successfully pressured the government to delay presidential elections.
- Our take on what follows Bouteflika.
The Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security
May 1, 2019
https://www.meforum.org/58659/arab-spring-the-second-coming
Protesters in Algeria are expected to take to the streets today to demand the resignation of interim President Abdelkader Bensalah and a complete political overhaul. Algeria’s Constitutional Council on Sunday canceled the presidential election set for July 4 to replace Abdelaziz Bouteflika, who resigned in April after weeks of protests against his two-decade rule. The announcement extends the rule of Bensalah until a new election is scheduled. Bensalah on Thursday called on the political class and civil society to hold an “inclusive dialogue” to prepare for a new election “as soon as possible.” Read More
Tunisia’s Prime Minister Youssef Chahed on Sunday was elected president of a new secular party after clashing with the ruling party's leaders. Chahed broke from Nidaa Tounes in January and formed Tahya Tounes (Long Live Tunisia) after months of feuding with Nidaa Tounes leader Hafedh Caid Essebsi, the son of President Beji Caid Essebsi. The announcement comes as Tunisia gears up for parliamentary and presidential elections this fall. Read More
Tunisian Prime Minister Youssef Chahed has been elected head of Tahya Tounes, which has sparked fears among political circles that he might use his post to serve party interests.