Algeria has replaced hundreds of mid- and senior-level
military commanders and officers over the last year.
Algerian sources said President Abdul Aziz Bouteflika has replaced about
1,000 officers in an attempt to impose civilian control over the military.
The sources said most of the officers were retired or dismissed over the
last year in wake of the resignation of Chief of Staff Gen. Mohammed Al
Amari. Al Amari was retired in July 2004, Middle East Newsline reported.
Since August 2004, Bouteflika ordered the dismissal of hundreds of
officers throughout the military. The sources said the dismissals took place
in six stages and included regional commanders and the heads of military and
technical colleges.
In the latest development, 32 generals were retired from the Algerian
military. The sources said they came from the General Staff and Defense
Ministry. Bouteflika also serves as defense minister.
Last week, the sources said five generals were dismissed. They were said
to have included the head of the military technical college as well as a
prominent commander.
The sources said Bouteflika has targeted officers who were groomed by
the military in wake of its 1992 coup. The military canceled elections to
prevent an Islamic win and installed a government that consisted of retired
officers.
