Algeria’s Interim President Abdelkader Bensalah on Monday called out for a meeting with the country’s political class in a bid to resolve the ongoing national political crisis. It currently remains unclear what the meeting will be all about but some members of the country’s political class have already rejected the initiative, reported Africa News.
Mr. Bouteflika, who had been in power for 20 years, resigned three weeks ago following months of anti-government protests. After his exit, the protestors now continue to demand the removal of the remaining Bouteflika allies popularly referred to as the Bs. Former Prime Minister Ahmed Ouyahia and current Finance Minister Mohamed Loukal, two close aides of Bouteflika, are already under investigation for money laundering issues.
In related news, four billionaire brothers from the Kouninef family, which owns a large construction group, with links to Bouteflika have reportedly been detained by police. As per state TV reports, they are being held in connection with an investigation into corruption that includes failing to honor contracts with the state and abuse of influence. Reda, Abdelkader, Karim and Tarek Kouninef are all believed to be part of former President Abdelaziz Bouteflika’s inner circle.
Issad Rebrab, the founder and chairman of Cevital, Algeria’s biggest privately held company, was also arrested on Monday alongside the four brothers, reported News 24.
Rebrab, however, denied reports of his arrest on Twitter, saying he went to the police to give evidence on a case involving industrial equipment which authorities had seized from him in June 2018. Unlike the four brothers, he is known for his opposition to Mr. Bouteflika.
The authorities also arrested prominent businessman Ali Haddad earlier this month. Haddad, who is one of Algeria’s richest men, was detained as he tried to cross the border into Tunisia, carrying large amount of money.
Fresh Presidential elections in Algeria are expected to be held in July.
