AGP Executive Report

Death Penalty Push: Algeria’s lower house approved amendments to the Penal Code expanding capital punishment for intentional forest/field arson and for child kidnapping tied to torture, sexual assault or mutilation, after deadly wildfires; the move revives a debate as Algeria has had a death-penalty moratorium since 1993 and rights groups warn of irreversible judicial error. Green Hydrogen Deal: Energy ministers from Algeria, Tunisia, Italy, Austria and Germany signed the Algiers Ministerial Declaration for the SoutH2 green hydrogen corridor, targeting 4 million tonnes annually shipped via a roughly 3,000-km route to Europe. Air Connectivity: Hamad International Airport announced Air Algerie has resumed nonstop Doha–Algiers flights after about seven months, with service currently at three flights weekly and plans to move to daily from Oct. 25. Pharma Partnership: Algeria’s pharma minister stressed Algerian-German cooperation focused on shifting from manufacturing to knowledge and technology transfer, citing projects between Saidal and Boehringer Ingelheim. Sahara Diplomacy: U.S. UN envoy Mike Waltz told Polisario the 50-year standoff must end, saying “the basis for a solution is on the table.”

Death Penalty Push: Algeria’s parliament approved Penal Code amendments introducing the death penalty for intentional arson of forests/fields and for child kidnapping tied to torture, sexual assault or mutilation, as well as certain sabotage acts linked to treason, espionage or organised crime. Green Hydrogen Drive: Energy ministers from Algeria, Tunisia, Italy, Austria and Germany signed the Algiers Ministerial Declaration for the SoutH2 Corridor, targeting exports of 4 million tonnes of green hydrogen annually to Europe via a ~3,000 km route and setting up technical support with UNIDO. Health Cooperation: Algeria’s health ministry signed a cooperation agreement with Mauritania covering public health, prevention, hospital management, border health surveillance and expert exchanges. Air Connectivity: Hamad International Airport announced Air Algérie has resumed nonstop Doha–Algiers flights, starting with three weekly services and moving to daily from Oct 25. Education & Innovation: Algeria ranked third globally in education in the 2026 Global Innovation Index, while Algiers topped Africa in gigabit city rankings. Justice Reform: The Minister of Justice presented a draft Military Justice Code law to align military courts with the 2020 Constitution and recent legal updates. Football Focus: Algeria resumed training in Sidi Moussa ahead of a friendly vs Niger, with the national team leading its AFCON 2027 qualifying group.

Parliament & Governance: Algeria’s Council of the Nation outlined practical steps to boost African parliamentary administration performance, while Speaker Azouz Nasri chaired coordination for upcoming IPU meetings and received Indonesia’s ambassador. Economy & Trade: A government meeting reviewed implementation of Council of Ministers’ decisions and the draft Finance Bill 2027; Algeria also moved to strengthen customs export controls with a new Maersk-linked detailed declaration reference from Oct. 4. Energy & Partnerships: Algeria signed a hydrogen and renewable energy cooperation memorandum with Austria, and will host a SoutH2 Corridor energy ministers meeting focused on green hydrogen exports to Europe. Diplomacy & Regional Issues: UN remarks by Niger’s PM Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine highlighted Algeria’s role in helping Niamey “stand” amid sanctions and pressure; meanwhile, US envoy Mike Waltz met Polisario figures, pressing for “real choices” after 50 years. Society & Culture: Algeria hosted a symposium on Arabic language and translation amid technological shifts, and submitted its National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2025–2030 to the UN.

Arabic Language & Translation: Algeria’s High Council for the Arabic Language held a national symposium in Algiers on International Translation Day, focusing on how AI is changing translation and why “meaning” must stay protected. Local Elections Prep: ANIE chief Saad Arous chaired a regional meeting in Algiers with coordinators from 25 wilayas ahead of the Nov. 28 local vote, stressing field readiness and fast problem-solving. Environment: Algeria submitted its National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2025–2030 to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, outlining a roadmap to curb ecosystem damage and protect species. Culture Diplomacy: Algeria and Russia signed an executive cooperation program through 2030 covering training and exchanges in cinema, theatre, music and heritage. Green Hydrogen Push: Algiers will host the 2nd SoutH2 energy ministers’ meeting, aiming to accelerate green hydrogen exports to Europe. Air Connectivity: Air Algérie launched direct Doha–Algiers flights, boosting Qatar–Algeria travel links. Arab Economic Ties: CREA met the Arab Labour Organization to move from dialogue to concrete projects and investment. Humanitarian/Regional: Amnesty International denounced alleged torture and abuse of migrants in Ceuta, urging urgent humanitarian action. Sports: Algeria’s U23s began a camp in Johannesburg ahead of 2027 AFCON qualifiers.

Algiers & UN Diplomacy: Ahmed Attaf met UN chief António Guterres as the 81st UN General Assembly high-level week wrapped up, with talks also touching Western Sahara and de-escalation efforts. Biodiversity Push: Algeria submitted its National Strategy and Action Plan for Biodiversity 2025-2030 to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity. OPEC Cooperation: OPEC Secretary-General Haitham Al-Ghais praised Algeria’s role in stabilizing global oil markets and highlighted the Algiers Accord’s impact, while also crediting Kuwait’s early work behind OPEC+. Agriculture Modernization: An Algerian-Italian forum in Algiers spotlighted mechanization and precision farming, anchored by the Timimoun wheat project (€420m) aimed at jobs and integrated production. Food Prices Pressure: Interior Minister Saïd Sayoud blamed middlemen for surging produce costs, urging ethical market practices. Football (CAN 2027 Qualifiers): Algeria rallied from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Burundi in Bujumbura, keeping them atop Group I with four points. Education & Health: Algeria advanced school health planning, with a national prevention plan nearing completion and a focus on healthier school environments. Media Service: APS and Djezzy launched “Daily Brief” for enterprise clients via SMS and digital channels.

CAN 2027 Qualifiers: Algeria fought back for a 2–2 draw against Burundi in Bujumbura, after an early own goal and a second strike left them trailing 0–2; Brahim Hemdani’s side leveled through Bachir Belloumi and Adil Boulbina’s free-kick finish, keeping Algeria on top of Group I with four points. Diplomacy & UN: Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf met UN chief António Guterres during the 81st UN General Assembly week, discussing Middle East de-escalation and Western Sahara; Algeria also accused Israel of trying to divide Somalia. Energy & OPEC: OPEC Secretary-General Haitham Al-Ghais praised the Algiers Accord as a trust-based foundation for OPEC+ stability, projecting rising global energy demand. Economy & Industry: Algeria and Italy spotlighted agricultural mechanization at an Algiers forum, with drones, precision farming and water-efficient irrigation highlighted; APS and Djezzy launched a new “Daily Brief” news service for enterprise clients. Culture: Auditions began for the Algerian International Philharmonic Orchestra, aiming to revive heritage and showcase Algeria’s artistic image. Regional Security: Benin opened defense talks with Algeria in Cotonou, focusing on training and capacity building.

UN Reform Debate: Algeria’s Ahmed Attaf told the UN General Assembly that the world body is losing trust and must be reformed to be more representative and effective, warning that power politics is making conflict “normal.” Western Sahara Diplomacy: Attaf also reiterated Algeria’s support for Sahrawi self-determination, stressing negotiations must stay within the UN framework and in good faith. Israel-Regional Condemnation: Algeria condemned continued Israeli attacks on Syria and Lebanon and said Israel is trying to divide Somalia, calling for de-escalation and respect for international law. OPEC & Oil Stability: OPEC chief Haitham Al-Ghais praised the 10th anniversary legacy of the Algiers Accord, saying stability depends on trust, mechanisms, and cooperation—echoing Algeria’s role in OPEC+. Justice in Air Disaster: A Paris court fined Swiftair €225,000 for corporate manslaughter over the 2014 Air Algérie crash in Mali that killed 116. Energy & Trade: South Korea nearly met August crude needs via US, Mediterranean and Oceania supplies; Annaba port loaded 26,000 tonnes of cement for the US market. Domestic Policy: Algeria’s Minister of Justice presented a draft penal code proposing the death penalty for arsonists and child abductors. Science & Elections: Tebboune urged Algerian diaspora scientists to drive development; ANIE pledged media partnership for Nov. 28 local elections.

UNESCO Spotlight: Algeria’s Algiers International Comics Festival (FIBDA) has been added to UNESCO’s Policy Monitoring Platform, boosting the visibility of the “ninth art” event and its role in nurturing young talent and international cultural exchange. OPEC Energy Diplomacy: OPEC chief Haitham Al Ghais praised President Tebboune’s guidance and Algeria’s steady support for dialogue aimed at stabilizing global oil markets, marking the 10th anniversary of the Algiers Accord. Court Ruling in Mali Crash Case: A Paris court fined Spanish operator Swiftair €225,000 and found it guilty of corporate manslaughter over the 2014 Air Algerie crash in Mali that killed 116, with families calling it a long-awaited step toward justice. Air Algerie Resumes Doha: Air Algerie will restart Algiers–Doha flights after nearly seven months, with three weekly departures starting Tuesday and daily service from Oct. 25. Science & Diaspora: Algeria’s scientific diaspora council members highlighted the push to bring Algerian expertise back into national development, while Professor Elias Zerhouni praised the initiative’s positive reception. Sports & Camp Tensions: Manchester City defender Rayan Ait-Nouri was sent home from Algeria duty after an altercation on the bench during AFCON qualifiers.

Air Travel: Air Algérie will resume Algiers–Doha flights after nearly seven months, with the first departure set for Tuesday (three times weekly, then daily from Oct. 25). Energy & Diplomacy: OPEC chief Haitham Al Ghais met Algeria’s hydrocarbons minister Arkab in Algiers to discuss global oil market challenges and the 10th anniversary of the Algiers Accord. Western Sahara: US adviser Massad Boulos said Algeria is a “very good partner” and that Polisario is obstructing the UN-led process, while Algeria’s Attaf reiterated support for Sahrawi self-determination at the UNGA. Security & Defense: Algeria is set to deepen air defence cooperation with new Chinese HQ-17 systems, boosting protection against low-flying threats. Economy & Tech: ECSEL Expo 2026 in Algiers (Oct. 7–10) expects 260+ e-commerce exhibitors, with a focus on digital sovereignty and services. Science & Nation-Building: Algeria launched the High Council of the National Scientific Diaspora Abroad, placing it under the President to turn expertise into knowledge-economy growth. EU Cooperation: Algeria and Eurojust are moving toward a judicial cooperation framework to tackle terrorism and cross-border crime.

OPEC & Energy Diplomacy: Algeria’s Hydrocarbons Minister Mohamed Arkab met OPEC chief Haitham Al Ghais in Algiers, focusing on global oil market shifts and the OPEC+ framework, with the Algiers Accord hailed as a “strategic turning point.” Scientific Diaspora Push: Education Minister Kamel Baddari launched the High Council of the National Scientific Diaspora Abroad, positioning it as a presidential advisory body to turn Algerian expertise overseas into national development. UNGA Foreign Policy: Ahmed Attaf met Iran’s Abbas Araghchi and Saudi/Yemeni counterparts, while reiterating Algeria’s firm support for the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination. Western Sahara Pressure: UN refugee chief Barham Salih warned that conditions in Tindouf camps are “intolerable,” as aid remains underfunded; meanwhile, US adviser Massad Boulos said Polisario is obstructing the UN-led process. Finance Links: Qatar Central Bank governor met Algeria’s finance minister to boost cooperation in banking and financial sectors. EU Justice Cooperation: Algeria and Eurojust are set to deepen judicial coordination against terrorism and cross-border crime. Security & Health: France indicted an Algerian teacher over alleged child rape/assaults at a Paris Catholic nursery. Sports: Algeria’s AFCON qualifiers saw injuries and drama—Amine Gouiri and Rayan Ait-Nouri were sent home early after setbacks in the Zambia match.

Sahrawi Humanitarian Crisis: UNHCR chief Barham Salih told the UN Security Council that conditions in Algeria’s Tindouf camps are deteriorating and the decades-long status quo is “intolerable,” with humanitarian needs still largely underfunded. OPEC and Energy Diplomacy: OPEC Secretary-General Haitham Al Ghais is on a working visit to Algeria (26–29 Sept) marking the 10th anniversary of the Algiers Accord. UNGA Walkout: Algeria and several countries walked out of the UN General Assembly after a Zionist official took the floor, while the UAE and Morocco stayed to hear the full speech. EU Security Cooperation: Algeria and the EU move toward a stronger criminal justice partnership via an agreement with Eurojust to boost coordination against terrorism and cross-border crime. Football—AFCON Qualifiers: Algeria opened AFCON 2027 qualifying with a 3-1 win over Zambia, but the camp saw disruptions: Rayan Aït-Nouri was sent home after an altercation with staff, and Marseille striker Amine Gouiri left with a thigh muscle injury. Culture: Algeria’s culture minister called for a “dialogue of civilizations” that respects states’ cultural specificity.

UN Diplomacy & Sahel: Ahmed Attaf met counterparts in New York and took part in an OIC foreign ministers coordination meeting, while Algeria pushed a security-and-development agenda for the Sahel. Western Sahara Humanitarian Crisis: UNHCR chief Barham Salih warned that conditions for Sahrawi refugees around Tindouf are worsening as aid remains sharply underfunded. Regional Solidarity: Niger’s PM praised Algeria’s support across defense, health, education, energy and agriculture, highlighting major cross-border projects. Culture & Dialogue: Culture Minister Malika Bendouda called for a “dialogue of civilizations” that respects states’ cultural specificity. Parliamentary Links: Speaker Khalida Boufedeche held talks with Greece’s parliament speaker, focusing on Mediterranean cooperation and expanding economic ties. Defense Cooperation: PNA Chief of Staff Saïd Chanegriha received Vietnam’s top political-military official. Sports: Algeria opened AFCON 2027 qualifiers with a 3-1 win over Zambia; Chipolopolo Zambia’s return trip is underway, and Algeria’s national team also faced a camp exclusion after a coaching altercation. Politics in the Region: Morocco’s PAM won its parliamentary vote, with Islamists returning to opposition.

AFCON 2027 Qualifiers: Algeria kicked off its campaign with a 3-1 comeback win over Zambia in Tizi-Ouzou, scoring early through Jaouen Hadjam, then responding after Fashion Sakala’s equaliser with goals from Ibrahim Maza and Anis Hadj Moussa to top Group I on goal difference. Diplomacy at UNGA: Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf kept busy in New York, including coordination with OIC foreign ministers and meetings with US officials, as Algeria pushes stronger multilateralism and reviews regional crises. Regional Security: Algeria’s ties with the Sahel continue to deepen, with reports of a Benin-Algeria defense partnership aimed at countering terrorism and protecting northern routes. Foreign Policy Tensions: Algeria severed diplomatic relations with the UAE, citing months of “hostile actions” and interventionist policies. Economy & Industry: Algeria moved to boost local content in autos, with a deadline set for importing vehicle plastic parts that can be produced domestically. Humanitarian Pressure: The UN warned that conditions for Sahrawi refugees in Western Sahara are deteriorating and remain severely underfunded.

Automotive Local Push: Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb set Dec. 31, 2026 as the deadline for importing vehicle plastic parts that can be made in Algeria, pointing to the new Tissemsilt production unit and a push to raise the national integration rate. Air Defence Upgrade: Algeria is reportedly expanding its air defences with China’s HQ-17 short-range system, seen in Algerian camouflage, as Algiers continues mixing Russian and Chinese equipment. Diplomacy at UNGA: Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf met Niger’s FM in New York and also held talks with Spain, Sweden and the Czech Republic, focusing on cooperation and regional issues. Western Sahara Humanitarian Warning: The UN’s refugees chief warned that conditions for Sahrawi displaced people are worsening and that humanitarian needs remain badly underfunded. Regional Security Link: Algeria’s defence cooperation is also in the spotlight after reports of a Benin–Algeria security partnership aimed at countering Sahel-linked threats. Sports & Culture: Algeria’s AFCON qualifier vs Zambia in Tizi Ouzou is sold out, and Algiers hosted an exhibition on contemporary Mandala art.

Diplomacy: Algeria severed ties with the United Arab Emirates, ordering the UAE mission to leave within 48 hours, citing years of regional tensions and accusations tied to security and the Palestinian issue. Governance: President Tebboune continued a partial reshuffle, appointing new governors, delegate governors and provincial secretaries-general. Anti-corruption & institutions: Algeria’s transparency watchdog (HATPLC) held talks in Doha with Qatari and Libyan counterparts to boost joint mechanisms and exchange expertise. Trade & industry: Three provinces launched electronic and household appliance export processes, while Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb pushed higher domestic content and inaugurated a new automotive plastic components unit in Tissemsilt. Foreign policy at the UN: Ahmed Attaf marked the UN Declaration on the Right to Development in New York and met Russia’s Lavrov plus European counterparts. Migration pressure on Europe: Reports say Algeria has become the main departure point for irregular sea migration to Spain, with most 2025 Western Mediterranean departures linked to Algerian coasts. Weather alerts: Rain and thunderstorm warnings covered 23 Algerian wilayas.

Sports & Youth: Algeria’s junior badminton team (13 athletes, including six girls) heads to Cairo for the African Youth Championship (27 Sep–3 Oct), while Algerian referee Ouard Benslama Yacine was selected for the FIFA 2026 U-17 World Cup. Domestic Industry Push: Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb backed higher domestic content and local integration in the automotive sector during a Tissemsilt visit, including the inauguration of a “General Plastic Injection” unit for local plastic components. Governance & Anti-Corruption: Algeria’s transparency authority chief M’hamed Djellaoui met counterparts in Doha to expand cooperation with Qatar and Kuwait on corruption prevention and institutional expertise. Justice & Human Rights: Concern is growing over Algeria’s plans to end the moratorium on death, following proposed tougher penal code changes after deadly wildfires. Weather & Safety: Rain and thunderstorm alerts cover 23 wilayas, with 20–40 mm forecast in six northern Sahara areas. Agriculture & Trade: Algeria and the EU launched a €1m, two-year organic farming project to build rules and a national quality label. International Spotlight: Algeria’s AU Peace and Security Council praised President Tebboune’s counter-terrorism efforts, urging faster continental tools to strengthen cross-border judicial cooperation.