Under the title: What do we know about the circumstances of the dismissal of General Hassan, the head of Algerian internal security?, the French magazine “Jeune Afrique” said that the position of director of the DGSI (General Directorate of Internal Security in Algeria) seems to have become “a throwaway chair.”
As with his predecessors, Jeune Afrique revealed that General Abdelkader Ait Ouarabi, known as General "Hassan," was dismissed on May 18 from his position as head of internal security and counter-espionage, less than a year (342 days) after assuming the post. He was succeeded by Major General Mounir Ezzahi, who had been the second-in-command of the agency.
General Hassan was dismissed from his post less than a year (342 days) after assuming office. He was succeeded by Major General Mounir Zahi, who had been the second-in-command of the agency.
Jeune Afrique added that the dismissal of General Hassan raises numerous questions in Algiers, noting that neither the presidency nor the Ministry of Defense has issued any official statement regarding his removal. However, rumors surrounding his sudden downfall triggered a state of alert within Algerian intelligence circles and in the media on May 19. His departure is expected to be officially confirmed in the coming days with the appointment of his successor.
Six officials have been at the head of the agency since 2019
General Hassan was appointed on May 25, 2025, to head this institution, which had witnessed numerous upheavals over the past six years, but he did not complete a year before being dismissed in the same sudden and unexplained manner as his predecessors.
He is a veteran counter-terrorism fighter, known for his competence and experience, and was the sixth person to head this agency since Abdelmadjid Tebboune came to power. He was preceded in the position by Generals Djamel Kehal Medjdoub, Abdelkader Haddad (known as "Nasser El Djinn"), Abdelghani Rachdi, and Wassini Bouazza.
Jeune Afrique explained that to understand the extent of the chronic instability plaguing one of the country’s most important institutions, it is enough to recall that General Mohamed Mediene, known as “Toufik,” remained at the head of the intelligence services for twenty-five years, from 1990 to 2015.
The magazine noted that another rumor had spread regarding the possible dismissal of the Director General of Documentation and External Security, Rachid Fethi Moussaoui, although he is considered close to the presidential circle, but this information has not yet been confirmed.
Sudden dismissal without warning
Jeune Afrique went on to say that there was no indication that General Hassan's dismissal was imminent. On May 15, he was present, along with seven other officials, at a meeting convened by President Tebboune to discuss final preparations for the legislative elections scheduled for July 2. Those close to him also reported that he was in his office at the headquarters of the General Directorate of Internal Security in the heights of Algiers on Monday, May 18, when he was informed of his dismissal.
Health problems or a dispute with the presidency?
Jeune Afrique asked: “Was his dismissal the result of disagreements with the head of state and his entourage, who are known for their extreme caution and distrust of internal security officials? Or was it due to his health condition? According to our information, his health condition alone does not explain this sudden decision.”
This man, who is highly respected for his long career in combating terrorism and his deep knowledge of security issues in North Africa and the Sahel region, was suffering from illness even before his appointment in May 2025.
In fact, some of his acquaintances assert that he refused the position several times before finally accepting it. Despite the illnesses he contracted during his five years in prison, in addition to other health problems, he was fully capable of performing his duties, according to various accounts.
The former head of the agency was very interested in files related to suspicious activities and the growing influence of a senior government official, which caused great resentment.
Disagreements with the president's inner circle?
Jeune Afrique went on to explain that the General Directorate for Internal Security (DGSI) enjoys broad powers, enabling it to investigate corruption, illicit enrichment, ethical conduct, and relationships with foreign entities, even involving individuals close to the presidential circle. The French magazine then posed the question: Has the head of the agency crossed red lines in this area, as his predecessor did?
Some leaks indicate that the former head of the agency was very interested in filesrelated to suspicious activities and the growing influence of a senior government official, which caused great resentment.
Men of Shtariha
Jeune Afrique explained that Mounir Zahi, who comes from the Air Force and is a graduate of American military schools, belongs to what is known as “Chengriha’s men (the Chief of Staff of the Algerian Army)”.
Prior to his appointment to the General Directorate of Internal Security, he was in charge of dialogue with the United States, where he co-chaired the 2023 “Joint Military Dialogue” meeting in Washington, alongside Jennifer Zakreski, the acting US official in charge of African affairs at the Department of Defense.
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