Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika Wednesday dismissed national police Chief Mustapha Lahbiri and named the former Foreign Minister Ramtane Lamamra, as his diplomatic adviser. A statement from the interior ministry said the President has appointed Abdelkader Kara Bouhadba, director of the judicial police, in replacement of Lakhdar Lahbiri. Lahbiri, during his short tenure, proposed several changes at the head of various police departments but the proposals had been frozen by the interior ministry, AFP reports. The appointment of Lamamra, who held the Foreign Affairs portfolio from 2013 to 2017, has not been announced officially yet but has been reported by local media. Criticized for his health condition which his opponents believe will prevent him from running the country for another five years.

Source: The North Africa Journal February 14, 2019 14:03 UTC