Algeria reopens two Bouteflika-era corruption cases

By Hassan Jebrel</p> <p><br></p> <p>ALGIERS (AA) – Algeria has reopened two major corruption cases involving former Energy Minister Chakib Khelil, according to a Wednesday statement released by the country’s Supreme Court.</p> <p><br></p> <p>“Two cases related to Khelil and his associates… were referred to court Tuesday,” the statement read.</p> <p><br></p> <p>The twin cases, which date back to the period from 1999 to 2010, both involve Algerian state-run energy concern Sonatrach, according to the statement. </p> <p><br></p> <p>Khelil served as energy minister from 1999 (the same year in which recently-resigned President Abdelaziz Bouteflika took power) to 2010. </p> <p><br></p> <p>Khelil also served as Sonatrach’s CEO from 2001 to 2003.</p> <p><br></p> <p>In 2013, an international arrest warrant was issued for Khelil in connection with deals made between Sonatrach and Italian energy firms Eni and Saipem.</p> <p><br></p> <p>On Tuesday, Abdelkader Bensalah, who is currently serving as Algeria’s interim president, sacked Sonatrach’s current CEO, Abdelmoumene Ould Kaddour, and replaced him with Rachid Hachichi, the company's production director.</p> <p><br></p> <p>One of Algeria’s largest companies, Sonatrach currently employs more than 120,000 people.</p> <p><br></p> <p>Early this month, the 82-year-old Bouteflika announced his resignation following several weeks of popular protests against his rule.</p> <p><br></p> <p>Bensalah, speaker of Algeria’s parliament, is now serving as interim president for a 90-day transitional period during which presidential elections will be held.