Sources: Bouteflika’s decisions came in coordination with General Toufik

Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika conducted government reshuffle in coordination with General Gaid Saleh, vice-president of the defense minister and Mohamed Mediene (Toufik), leader of intelligence, Echorouk has learnt.

Rumors about conflicts between the president and General Mediene are “baseless” meant to hit the cohesion of the Algerian constitutional institutions.

Intelligence department (DRS) not changed

According to the same sources, President Bouteflika made decisive decisions inside the military institution as part of his prerogatives. Yet, some reports and interpretation were wrong as they were based on right information, on one hand, and on false information on the other hand.

Changes conducted by Bouteflika did not touch the intelligence department (DRS) led by Colonel Okba. It is still under the direct control of General Toufik.

Repartition of tasks

Observers believe that changes to the army were no more than repartition of tasks and did not need all that “noise.”

A “fabricated illusionary war” between the State’s symbols and its constitutional institutions do not serve Algeria’s future at all as the presidential elections are coming soon amid regional and international mutations, they said.

Speaking about corruption, they said there is a need for documented evidences and “corruption scandals” published in the press must not remain no more than accusations.