In recent years, the Algerian government has been making significant strides in addressing the issue of stolen funds stashed abroad. These efforts are aimed at not only regaining what was looted by individuals connected to the former regime of President Abdelaziz Bouteflika but also demonstrating a commitment to combating corruption in the country. However, some remain skeptical about the effectiveness of these actions, given the persistent reports of corruption in Algeria.
The Algerian authorities have taken a multifaceted approach to recover stolen assets. They have initiated over 200 international judicial mandates to repatriate ill-gotten gains and sought assistance from 31 countries. While these actions may appear as a show of strength, questions linger about the government’s ability to make substantial progress in this sensitive area and in tackling the widespread corruption within the country.
According to Algerian newspaper “El Nahar,” these recent measures are part of a broader initiative to promote transparency and ethics in public life. The government has been working on implementing an executive decree that outlines ethical standards and behavior for public servants, aiming to reinforce moral values and establish the legal framework applicable to government officials.
However, some critics view these steps as mere window dressing, as numerous reports continue to highlight the deep-rooted corruption in Algeria, even years after the departure of the Bouteflika regime. The Algerian authorities have apprehended several former ministers from Bouteflika’s government, including figures like Abdelmalek Sellal, Ahmed Ouyahia, and Noureddine Bedoui, along with the late President’s brother, Said Bouteflika. These arrests have shed light on the extent of corruption that has plagued and continues to afflict Algeria.
President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, elected in 2019, initially promised a new era free from corruption, injustice, and all forms of misconduct. However, after nearly four years since the start of the popular protest movement against the regime, the country has witnessed a decline towards authoritarianism, with a crackdown on freedoms and a surge in corruption within the government’s institutions.
In conclusion, while the Algerian government’s efforts to recover stolen funds and combat corruption may seem promising on the surface, many observers remain doubtful about their effectiveness. The persistence of corruption and the challenges in repatriating illicitly acquired wealth indicate that there is still much work to be done to achieve the goals of transparency and accountability in Algeria’s political and economic landscape.
