Mohamed Mediène

Mediène, known as Toufik, was appointed head of the Department of Intelligence and Security (DRS) in 1990. He became the most powerful figure in Algeria, controlling intelligence and security services for over two decades.

Mediène was a key architect of the military's crackdown on Islamists after the 1992 election cancellation. The DRS under his leadership was accused of involvement in massacres and disappearances, though he denied direct responsibility.

Mediène was dismissed in 2015 by President Bouteflika, who dismantled the DRS and reduced its powers. The move ended Toufik's 25-year reign as intelligence chief, marking a significant shift in Algeria's political landscape.