Algerian army chief General Ahmed Gaid Salah vowed to cleanse the country of anyone trying to disturb the lives of the Algerian people through corrupt practices.
Speaking at a military facility southwest of Algeria, Salah said that the main reason for the country's economic crisis has now become apparent, with some officials spending the country’s funds as they please without supervision or discipline and without any regard of the responsibility they bear.
According to observers, Salah was referring to senior officials of former President Abdelaziz Bouteflika’s regime who are on trial over corruption cases, namely former prime ministers Ahmed Ouyahia, Abdelmalek Sellal and former Trade Minister Amara Benyounes.
Saleh asserted that the cases in the court show that the defendants exploited their positions to violate the law. He explained that following illegal methods, they created useless projects that cost a lot and do not benefit the Algerian economy.
“These corrupt practices were in complete contradiction to the content of the hypocritical speeches they used to make.”
The Chief noted that it is time to purge the country of those corrupt officials who killed every hope in the country and instilled fear and despair among Algerians.
Regarding the presidential elections, Salah said they must be held as soon as possible, asserting that transparency and credibility are essential elements for a true democracy, “which unfortunately some do not believe in and consider elections to be an option, not a necessity.”
Salah's statement was in reference to the opposition parties and activists of the popular movement who refuse to organize the elections under the authority of Algeria's interim president Abdelkader Bensalah.
The Army Chief asserted there is no limit to the fight corruption and the military institution will ensure this approach is adopted to rid Algeria of such misconduct and corrupts before the upcoming presidential elections.
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