Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has issued a stark warning against any infringement on Algeria's borders, emphasizing the nation's autonomy from global powers.
Speaking to top military leaders at the Ministry of Defense, broadcasted on national television Friday night, Tebboune's remarks came during the 79th anniversary of the May 8, 1945, massacres, a dark chapter of French colonial history in eastern Algeria.
President Tebboune praised Algeria's robust international relations and the respect it commands globally, even among adversaries. He reiterated Algeria's commitment to global peace and its support for all peoples fighting for their freedom, clearly opposing the proliferation of military interventions worldwide.
Tebboune also highlighted the geopolitical risks emerging in attempts to redraw the map of the Middle East and Africa, categorically rejecting such maneuvers. "Whoever transgresses against the borders of Algeria wrongs himself," he declared, leaving the specific targets of his statement unnamed.
Domestically, Tebboune noted that his government has made significant strides in overcoming past developmental hurdles, implicitly criticizing the management mistakes attributed to the era of his predecessor, President Abdelaziz Bouteflika (1999 - 2019).
Since taking office at the end of 2019, Tebboune stated that Algeria has seen substantial progress, positioning its economy as the third largest in Africa, trailing only South Africa and Egypt.
Looking ahead, Tebboune expressed his commitment to elevating Algeria's economic standing further, aiming to secure a prosperous future for the nation. The country is currently in a state of anticipation regarding Tebboune’s potential candidacy for a second term in the upcoming presidential elections scheduled for September 7.
In previous speeches, Tebboune has hinted at his desire to continue his leadership, while the military leadership has lauded his first term's achievements in an article published in the Army Magazine, the official voice of the Ministry of Defense.
According to the president, the year 2027 will be pivotal for the national economy as it will see the fruition of the economic reforms initiated under his leadership, potentially elevating Algeria's stature on the global stage significantly.