The frontrunner was identified as Brig. Gen. Afani Abdul Aziz, a senior
officer in the Algerian Army. The 55-year-old Abdul Aziz has been endorsed
by several ministers in Bouteflika's government, Middle East Newsline reported.
Tounisi had been regarded as a reformer who helped expand Algeria's
police and security forces. His plan stipulated the expansion of the police
to 200,000 over the next five years in an effort to quell the Al Qaida
insurgency, organized crime and civil unrest.
Officials said the next security chief was expected to modify Tounisi's
anti-corruption campaign. Over the last few months, several senior officials
have come under investigation on charges of bribery and embezzlement.
Tounisi, himself, was killed by an officer accused of embezzlement.
Abdul Aziz has been discussing his candidacy with Algerian Interior
Minister Nour Eddin Yazid Zerhouni. The brigadier was identified as a
28-year veteran, 20 of them as a commander. This included a stint as head of
the judicial police in Algiers and responsible for counter-insurgency
missions around the North African country.
"He is an extremely experienced professional and would carry out much
of Tounisi's policies," the official said.