President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has announced immediate compensation for families affected by recent wildfires in eastern and central Algeria, alongside arrests of suspected arsonists and plans to introduce the death penalty for deliberate forest fires.
Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has ordered swift compensation for families impacted by the devastating wildfires that swept through several eastern and central wilayas. The announcement follows a high-level meeting at the presidential palace, attended by senior civilian and military officials, to coordinate the state's response to the crisis. The government has pledged to cover all material losses, including livestock, homes, and household goods, with dedicated commissions set up to assess damages on a family-by-family basis.
Before the meeting began, participants observed a minute of silence in memory of the victims. The official death toll, as of 26 August, stands at 12, with 54 injured-several in intensive care-across Jijel, Béjaïa, and Tizi-Ouzou. The government declared three days of national mourning as emergency services, supported by the army and aerial resources, worked to stabilize the situation.
Arrests and Criminal Investigation
President Tebboune confirmed that individuals suspected of deliberately starting the fires have been arrested, with investigations ongoing. He instructed regional governors (walis) to provide all relevant information to security services, emphasizing the seriousness of the attacks on Algeria's forest heritage. The president's message to those responsible was unequivocal, underlining Algeria's resilience and warning that attempts to destabilize the country would not succeed.
The criminal nature of the fires is underlined by evidence of multiple blazes igniting simultaneously around 1 a.m., as seen in video footage reviewed by the president. This pattern has raised significant questions about coordination and intent behind the incidents.
Legal Reform: Death Penalty for Arson
In a major policy shift, Tebboune has tasked the justice minister with drafting amendments to the penal code by 15 September, introducing the death penalty for anyone found guilty of intentionally setting fire to forest property. Notably, the president insisted that the sentence must be carried out once all legal appeals are exhausted, challenging Algeria's longstanding de facto moratorium on executions since the early 1990s. The draft law is expected to be reviewed by the government and submitted to the National People's Assembly within days.
Restoration and Return to Normalcy
The president set a deadline for the restoration of essential services-electricity, gas, water, and telecommunications-in affected areas by the end of the week, aiming to enable residents to return to safe and comfortable homes. The housing minister has been directed to coordinate with local authorities and contractors to rehabilitate damaged dwellings, with clear delivery timelines for homeowners.
Tebboune framed the rapid compensation and recovery measures as a direct response to those seeking to undermine Algeria's stability, as well as a reassurance to the public. He set a target of one week for a return to normal life in the disaster-hit regions and demanded immediate implementation of all decisions.
Security and Regional Context
The Algerian government's robust response to the wildfires comes amid heightened concerns over organized criminal activity and national security. Recent operations, such as the dismantling of a major transnational drug network by Algerian security forces, underscore the broader context of state efforts to counter threats to public order and stability. For further background on Algeria's security environment, see this report on recent anti-crime operations by Algerian authorities.
