Exxon’s decision is speculated to be also tied to the fate of Sonatrach CEO Abdelmoumen Ould Kaddour. Ould Kaddour claims innocence, but his image has already been tarnished. As such, Ould Kaddour is seeing his support system quickly crumble and could be in the chopping block. Already sources in Algiers told MEA Risk of his likely replacement by another Sonatrach and Energy Ministry insider, Mustapha Hanafi. In addition to his strong ties to top regime officials, Ould Kaddour is criticized for his management style, which did not earn him many friends within Sonatrach.

Source: The North Africa Journal March 20, 2019 16:41 UTC