First Independent Mena Newspaper
The Algerian authorities have tightened their grip on visa requests by foreign journalists. Visas for the media, which are usually issued within two weeks, have now been taking much longer in the run-up to the elections. Journalists with Spanish media (El Mundo and Agencia EFE) and French media (L’Express, Le Point, Le Monde, Journal du […]
Despite unprecedented opposition protests, Algeria is likely to elect the incumbent Abdelaziz Bouteflika for his fourth term as the country’s fifth president being in office since 1999. Mr Bouteflika previously served as Minister of Foreign Affairs from 1963 to 1979, presided over the end of the Algerian Civil War in 2002, and ended emergency rule […]
Although the ongoing presidential campaign in Algeria has not impressed much by now, the six candidates have recently started complaining about “irregularities”. The National Election Monitoring Committee (CNISEL) now receives complains every day at both national and local levels. According to the CNISEL’s chief, Fateh Boutbik, the complaints are mostly related to the violation of […]
More than a dozen anti-Bouteflika protesters have been arrested by the police ahead of a campaign rally in Tizi-Ouzou, in the Berber region of Kabylie east of the capital of the National Liberation Front (FLN). Dozens of students were angry with the 77 year old incumbent president’s desire to bid for a fourth term in […]
Interim Egyptian president Adly Mansour has invited other member countries of the Arab League to implement the Arab counter terrorism treaty. The remarks were not directed at country but are believed to be provoked by Qatar’s decision to support the Muslim Brotherhood. Egypt wants a meeting between justice and interior ministers to take place in […]
After Abdelmalek Sellal’s resignation as the Prime Minister at the beginning of the month to head the campaign of President Bouteflika, hints have begun to emerge over the possible reforms to be undertaken if the latter stays in power. Constitutional and administrative reforms are high on the agenda while efforts to attract investment will be […]
Algerian authorities have reacted to the new waves of violence in the province of Ghardaia after three people were killed. The Interior ministry has increased anti-riot troops to control the violence. Interim Prime Minister Youcef Yousfi has visited the area and called for an investigation. Clashes between the Arab Chaamba community and the Mozabite Berbers […]
Maghreb region’s products and tourist attractions were showcased in the world’s largest travel trade fair – International Tourism Exchange – in Berlin that wrapped up in the German capital on Sunday (9 March). The high-profile venue was attended by tourism professionals from Algeria, Tunisia, Libya and Morocco whose Tourism Minister, Lahcen Haddad revealed his plan […]
Algerians remain divided on President’s Bouteflika’s decision to contest for elections in April. Those in the opposition believe that he is old and weak to govern the country. A source close to the President’s campaign team has hinted that Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal will be rendering his resignation on Thursday in order to focus on […]
As Algeria braces for another controversial presidential elections scheduled for next month with incumbent President Abdelaziz Bouteflika running for a fourth term, the country’s economic and social problems are building up with the drop in gas & oil output and revenues, heralding deep cracks in the country. According to Nourreddine Aït Laoussine, former CEO of […]