Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has terminated the functions of Mohamed Chafik Mesbah, his presidential advisor responsible for political affairs, relations with youth, civil society, and political parties.
Mesbah’s departure from the Algerian Presidency is seen as part of a broader, gradual restructuring of President Tebboune’s close circle.
This restructuring occurs amidst a period of heightened diplomatic tension. Franco-Algerian relations have significantly deteriorated following France’s recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara region. Simultaneously, Algeria’s downing of a Malian drone near their shared border has triggered a crisis with Bamako, Niamey, and Ouagadougou, highlighting Algeria’s increasing regional isolation.
The dismissal was formalized in Official Journal No. 22, marking the end of Mesbah’s tenure at the highest levels of government. A retired colonel, political scientist, and writer, Chafik Mesbah has held several strategic positions, notably leading the Algerian Agency for International Cooperation, established in 2020. This role placed him in the immediate circle of the head of state, as he was responsible for implementing Algeria’s international cooperation policy.
Mesbah, who holds a PhD in political science from the University of Algiers, is also known for his public and sometimes critical commentary, particularly regarding the inner workings of Algerian power.
He was once closely associated with General Toufik, the former head of military intelligence, and notably spoke on RFI in 2014 about internal tensions within the Bouteflika regime.
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