Algeria is not a safe country for foreign travelers. Yet, the Algerian authorities have invited popular American youtuber and online streamer IShowSpeed to promote a high-risk destination.
The paid PR operation did not go as planned. What was supposed to be a party of exaltation turned into a disaster with frantic scenes of chaos, screaming and confusion amid frightening blasts of gunfire and stone-throwing targeting the famous streamer and rapper. These horrible scenes were broadcast live to millions of internet followers.
The visit of Darren Watkins Jr. to Algeria comes after his trips to Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya and Rwanda. In Algiers, the American youtuber, who was wearing Algerian national jersey, visited Nelson Mandela Stadium to attend a match between MC Alger and USM Alger, but he was attacked by fans with water bottles and projectiles forcing his body guards to step in and escort him off the pitch.
These shocking violent acts, which have been broadcast live worldwide, expose the Algerian unsportsmanlike behavior, a recurring pattern showing popular frustration.
Following a 2-0 loss to Nigeria in AFCON-2025 quarter-finals, Algerian fans caused chaos in the stadium in Marrakech. They attempted to storm the pitch, clashed with security staff, and engaged in vandalism.
Videos posted on social media showed the referee being pursued by Algerian players after their defeat by Nigeria, and altercations among journalists from the two countries in the mixed zone, an area where reporters can interview players after the match.
The African football governing body has strongly condemned the Algerian behavior and opened an investigation with possible sanctions to be imposed.
Violence also erupted at the same time in France wherein several Algerians were arrested for riots targeting police, involving the use of fireworks and projectiles.
As Algerian fans have a long history of violent riots caused in several African stadiums, voices are raising within the FIFA and CAF ranks for punitive measures holding the Algerian military regime accountable for hooliganism.