Algerian authorities have seized the passports of seven businessmen under investigation over corruption allegations, the private Ennahar TV reported on Monday. No details were immediately available on the reported arrests. Seeking to defuse the demonstrations, Bouteflika said on March 11 he was dropping plans for a fifth term. However, he stopped short of stepping down immediately, to wait for a national conference on political change. Late on Sunday, Ennahar and El Bilad TV channels said that Bouteflika might resign this week.

Source: The North Africa Journal April 01, 2019 16:52 UTC