Ahmed Ouyahia

Prime Minister

Date of Birth: 02/07/1952
Place of Birth: Bouadnane, Kabylie

Biography: Advisor to the Algerian ambassador of Cote d'Ivoire, 1978-84; Foreigh Affairs Advisor to the Head of the Permanent Mission of Algeria, United Nations Headquarters, 1984-91; Director of the African Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 1991-92; Ambassador to Mali, 1992-93; Under Secretary of State for African and Arab Affairs, 1993-95; Prime Minister, 1995-98; Minister of State and Justice, 1999-00 Leader, Rassemblement National Démocratique (RND), 2000; Prime Minister, 2003-06; Prime Minister, 2008 to date

Commentary: Prime Minister Ahmed Ouyahia was  born in Kabyle but is widely unpopular there, even among his own family. The former ‘eradicator’, he came back for a third term as Premier in June 2008, replacing Abdelaziz Belkhadem, a politician on the ‘Arab/Islamic’ wing of the ruling FLN.

He is known as a politician of considerable will, and considerable ego. He is ambitious, but unpoular, still remembered for massive job cuts during his first spell as Premier. He is also backed by powerful military clans and is thought to have an eye to a future bid for the presidency; he has the right decideur connections to be a contender.

Chatter in early 2011 has been widespread about a possible reshuffle that could remove the unpopular Prime Minister. If he goes, his replacement is likely to be another establishment figure: Bouteflika's old friend, the lacklustre Foreign Affairs Minister, Mourad Medelci, or Energy and Mines Minister (and ex-Foreign Minister) Youcef Yousf