Algeria: When Tebboune goes missing, Le Monde puts spotlight on Morocco

Nobody knows so far whether Algerian President Abdelmajid Tebboune is dead, ill or sequestered. But one thing is certain: he disappeared from public view for several weeks, while French daily Le Monde deploys a diversionary tactic to draw away the attention from what is taking place in Algeria.

Since August 4, 2025, the 80-year old President has given no sign of life. No speeches, no public appearances, not even an arranged official photo session. In any other country, such unexplained absence would have triggered a huge media frenzy. But in Algeria, there is a troubling total radio silence. A few controlled leaks suggest a “medical vacation”, but nothing credible. Others say he ran away or is under house arrest by the military regime.

“Algeria Times” went even further in citing a nightmare scenario for Algerians who fear the return of the bloody “Black Decade”. According to sources cited by the Algerian media platform, Tebboune cannot show up because he has been seriously injured following an assassination attempt. He was flown to a private hospital in Mainz, Germany, where he is still receiving intensive medical care. His condition is believed to be unstable after losing too much blood.

According to Algeria Times, the shooters blame Tebboune and Army chief Said Chengriha for the deteriorating socioeconomic situation in the country and for offering Washington important rare mineral deals without obtaining any concession in return but only a promise not to designate Polisario terrorist organization and some arms sales that do not affect the military balance in North Africa, while Morocco receives huge American rewards and strategic advantages.

In addition, Algeria has lost its traditional allies, such as Russia, France, and the Sahel countries, leaving the country without international support. Tebboune detractors say he is the worst President in Algeria’s history, leading the country into bankruptcy and chaos.

The Head of state has a reputation for not having a good grasp of the economy or statistics, embarrassing himself and his country. His far-fetched statements on his country’s superpowers are evidence that he is delusional.

Rumors about his mysterious absence are running rife. Some are convinced he is dead, others say he is ill or prisoner of his own Generals. In the end, it doesn’t really matter, because politically he no longer exists because the real ruler is General Chengriha and military loyalists.

To prepare his ascension to the top of the State, Gen. Chengriha had forced Tebboune in December 2024 to promote him to Minister Delegate to the Minister of National Defense, a post assumed by the Head of State.

According to some analysts, Chengriha’s promotion to Delegate Defense Minister, while retaining his position of Army Chief of Staff is seen as a reward for backing Tebboune’s re-election and ensuring his easy victory.

By combing a top military post and a key political portfolio, Chengriha becomes Algeria’s strongman leader. He tightens control over the military establishment and the government’s decision-making in matters that have little or no direct connection with the army.

Afterwards, under the pressure of the Algerian junta, a mobilization law was introduced by government and passed by the Parliament. The bill gives the army total control over civilians, the economy, and institutions in case of major national crisis. It seems that Chengriha is preparing clearly his putsch, while Le Monde is zooming on Morocco’s Monarchy and King Mohammed VI state of health.

Instead of putting spotlight on Algeria where the President has vanished, offering an opportunity for his army Chief to fill power vacuum, the French daily focuses on Rabat rather than on deteriorating living conditions in Algeria, its deepening political and economic crises.

The Algerian paradox is shocking and disgraceful. Algeria has Africa’s second largest gas reserve, but suffers from shortages of milk, petrol, drinking water, basic food, vehicle spare parts… Billions of petrodollars have been spent on Polisario and on a lost cause for five-decades, while the country’s rusty buses crash in toxic rivers due to poor infrastructures, its decaying hospitals lack vital equipment, and its oppressed youth are muzzled.

Algeria is run by a “hologram” President who has never been a strong man. He was imposed by former army Chief Gaed Salah. He followed Bouteflika’s lead, in assuming the role of a civilian façade in a military-controlled country. But now this civilian façade (showcase store) is empty.

However, Le Monde chooses to turn a blind eye to Tebboune’s disappearance and his fate. It prefers to continue its paid libel campaign against Morocco’s sacred institutions. It is clearly a diversion operation to distract the Algerian and international public opinion from asking the question: Where is Tebboune? The President disappears but Morocco is targeted. This is not journalism. It is a cover-up operation. It is simply a feint!