Noted thinkers, writers and filmmakers call on Algeria to free jailed journalist seen as independent
May 30, 2023 GMTPARIS (AP) — Ten noted thinkers, writers and filmmakers, including director Ken Loach and Nobel literature laureate Annie Ernaux, signed an open letter published Tuesday, calling on the president of Algeria to free a jailed journalist they said was punished for refusing to bow to the government line.
Algeria, Egypt among 4 bids to host 2027 African Cup
April 27, 2023 GMTCAIRO, Egypt (AP) — Algeria and Egypt are among four bidders competing to host the 2027 African Cup of Nations, the Confederation of African Football said Thursday.
US transfers Guantanamo detainee to Algeria
April 20, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. has transferred a Guantanamo detainee back to his home country of Algeria, saying his continued detention was no longer necessary, the Department of Defense announced Thursday.
Syria’s FM to Algeria, Tunisia to revive diplomatic ties
April 16, 2023 GMTALGIERS (AP) — Syria’s chief diplomat has started a visit to Algeria and Tunisia as part of efforts to revive diplomatic relationships in the Arab world, more than a decade after his country was globally isolated amid President Bashar Assad’s brutal crackdown on mass protests against his rule.
Algerian court sentences prominent journalist to 5 years
April 2, 2023 GMTALGIERS, Algeria (AP) — A court in Algiers on Sunday sentenced a prominent journalist in the North African country to five years in prison with two years suspended and ordered his website and a radio station shut down based on the accusation that they threaten state security.
Macron’s office: Algeria envoy returning to Paris, spat ends
March 24, 2023 GMTPARIS (AP) — Algeria’s ambassador to France, recalled home in February, will be returning to his post in the coming days, President Emmanuel Macron’s office said Friday in a sign that the latest diplomatic spat between the two countries has been resolved.
Algeria dissolves pro-democracy group amid wider crackdown
February 23, 2023 GMTALGIERS, Algeria (AP) — Algerian authorities on Thursday dissolved a decades-old pro-democracy group that participated in the peaceful protests which helped force the North African country’s long-time President Abdelaziz Bouteflika from office in 2019.
Brother of Algerian ex-leader given 12-year graft sentence
February 10, 2023 GMTALGIERS, Algeria (AP) — An Algerian court has imposed a 12-year prison sentence on the younger brother of the country's late President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, after convicting him of corruption under his brother's 20-year rule.
Algeria’s army chief on discreet 1st-ever visit to France
January 24, 2023 GMTPARIS (AP) — Algeria’s powerful army chief is on a discreet but extraordinary official visit to Paris, the first by a top-ranked Algerian general since independence from France more than six decades ago.
Algeria, Italy look to broaden ties beyond coveted energy
January 23, 2023 GMTALGIERS, Algeria (AP) — Italy and Algeria moved to broaden ties through a series of memorandums signed Monday during a two-day visit by Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni, who said the two countries are in the process of building “an extraordinary bridge” that would hopefully transform Italy into an energy hub for Europe.
Italy’s Meloni eyes boost in strong energy ties with Algeria
January 22, 2023 GMTALGIERS, Algeria (AP) — Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni arrived Sunday in Algeria for a low-key two-day visit as the two nations look to build up a strategic partnership and Italy works to further wean itself off Russian energy with help from the gas-rich North African country.
France’s African ex-soldiers win last battle - over pensions
January 4, 2023 GMTPARIS (AP) — Some of the last survivors in France from a colonial-era infantry corps that recruited tens of thousands of African soldiers to fight in French wars around the world will be able to live out their final days with family members back in Africa after a French government U-turn on their pension rights.
Algerian journalist jailed and his media offices shut down
December 30, 2022 GMTALGIERS, Algeria (AP) — A prominent Algerian journalist is behind bars and the offices of his website and radio station were shut down based on accusations that they threaten state security, according to a defense lawyer.
Morocco threatens to skip African soccer tournament
December 28, 2022 GMTRABAT, Morocco (AP) — After its sensational World Cup performance, Morocco's national soccer team might boycott the African Nations Championship next month because of a diplomatic dispute with tournament host Algeria.
France ends visa dispute with Algeria linked to migration
December 18, 2022 GMTALGIERS, Algeria (AP) — France on Sunday announced the end to a visa dispute with Algeria, amid efforts to mend relations with North African neighbors.
After meeting Algerian officials on a visit to Algeria, French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said consular relations will “return to normal.”
Algeria sentences 49 to death for mob killing amid wildfires
November 25, 2022 GMTALGIERS, Algeria (AP) — An Algerian court sentenced 49 people to death Thursday for the brutal mob killing of a painter who had been suspected of starting devastating wildfires -- but had actually come to help fight them, according to defense lawyers and the state news agency.
Leaders conclude 31st Arab League summit in Algeria
November 2, 2022 GMTALGIERS, Algeria (AP) — Arab leaders on Wednesday concluded the 31st summit of the largest annual Arab conference after seeking to bridge the gap on several divisive issues in the Middle East and Africa.
Arab leaders in Algeria for 1st League summit in 3 years
November 1, 2022 GMTALGIERS, Algeria (AP) — Arab leaders on Tuesday met in Algeria at the 31st summit of the largest annual Arab conference to seek common ground on divisive issues in the region. The meeting comes against the backdrop of rising inflation, food and energy shortages, drought and soaring cost of living across the Middle East and Africa.
Saudi Arabia: Crown prince to skip summit on doctor advice
October 23, 2022 GMTDUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Saudi Arabia's powerful 37-year-old crown prince will not attend an upcoming summit in Algeria after his doctors advised him not to travel, the royal court said Sunday.
Adidas confirms Moroccan art inspired Algerian soccer jersey
October 14, 2022 GMTRABAT, Morocco (AP) — Adidas acknowledged on Friday that the design for its new jersey collection for Algeria's national soccer team was inspired by Morocco’s zellige mosaic pattern, resolving a dispute with the Moroccan government that had accused the sport apparel company of “cultural appropriation” of its heritage.
Morocco fumes over Adidas design of Algerian soccer jersey
September 30, 2022 GMTRABAT, Morocco (AP) — The Moroccan government called on sports apparel company Adidas to pull off the market its new jersey collection for Algeria’s national soccer team, alleging that the featured mosaic pattern amounted to “cultural appropriation” of Moroccan heritage.
Reluctant Algeria invites rival Morocco to Arab League meet
September 27, 2022 GMTRABAT, Morocco (AP) — Under apparent pressure from other Arab powers, Algeria on Tuesday invited its neighbor and rival Morocco to an Arab League summit it's hosting in Algiers in November.
Algeria severed diplomatic ties with Morocco last year, citing hostile actions from its neighbor.
Algeria expands English lessons to primary school students
September 21, 2022 GMTALGIERS, Algeria (AP) — As a new academic year starts in Algeria, third graders returning to primary school Wednesday will be taught English, as well as French, as a foreign language -- a small but symbolic step toward taking the country further away from its past as a French colony that some say is long overdue.
France’s Macron woos Algeria, but can’t erase colonial scars
August 27, 2022 GMTORAN, Algeria (AP) — The leaders of France and Algeria took an important step Saturday toward mending relations scarred by disputes over migration and the legacy of colonial crimes, agreeing to cooperate on energy, security and reassessing their joint history.
France’s Macron addresses visa issue during Algeria trip
August 26, 2022 GMTALGIERS, Algeria (AP) — French President Emmanuel Macron said Friday he has agreed with his Algerian counterpart to work to combat illegal immigration while ensuring more flexible ways for the North African country’s nationals to come to France legally.
France’s Macron visits Algeria in bid to heal wounds
August 25, 2022 GMTPARIS (AP) — French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Algeria on Thursday for a three-day visit aimed at addressing two major challenges: boosting future economic relations and healing colonial-era wounds.
‘I lost everything’: Algeria reels from deadly wildfires
August 19, 2022 GMTFirefighters in Algeria have extinguished all but one of over 50 wildfires that ravaged the country this week, leaving at least 37 people dead and consuming farms, crops and cork forests, authorities said Friday.
Wildfires in Algeria kill at least 37, including family of 5
August 18, 2022 GMTALGIERS, Algeria (AP) — Wildfires raging in the forests of eastern Algeria have killed at least 37 people and wounded 161 others, the civil protection department of the North African country said Thursday.
European leaders ink energy deals in bid to sidestep Russia
July 18, 2022 GMTROME (AP) — European leaders ramped up their push to secure alternative energy supplies Monday as fears escalate of a complete natural gas cutoff by Russia, with the leaders of Italy, France and the European Union sealing deals with their counterparts in Algeria, Azerbaijan and the United Arab Emirates.
Algeria marks 60 years of independence with military parade
July 5, 2022 GMTALGIERS, Algeria (AP) — Algeria celebrated 60 years of independence from France on Tuesday with nationwide ceremonies, a pardon of 14,000 prisoners and its first military parade in decades.
Opposition figures and pro-democracy activists called the elaborate celebrations an effort to distract attention from Algeria's economic and political troubles by glorifying the army, and called for the release of political prisoners.
Vatican runner to compete in half marathon at Med Games
June 28, 2022 GMTVATICAN CITY (AP) — The daughter of a Vatican employee will represent “the pope’s team” by competing in the half marathon at the Mediterranean Games in Oran, Algeria, on Friday.
It will mark the biggest event yet for Vatican Athletics, the latest iteration of the Holy See’s longstanding promotion of sport as an instrument of dialogue, peace and solidarity.
Spain: Algeria’s ties with Russia behind row with Madrid
June 13, 2022 GMTMADRID (AP) — Spain's economy minister on Monday linked Algeria's decision to break a decades-old friendship treaty with Spain that has frozen economic links with what she described as the North African country's increasing alignment with Russia.
Algeria denies suspending friendship treaty with Spain
June 10, 2022 GMTMADRID (AP) — Algeria on Friday appeared to have backed down in its dispute with Spain after its mission at the European Union issued a statement saying the northwest African country had never suspended the friendship treaty it holds with Spain.
EU urges Algeria to restore friendship treaty with Spain
June 9, 2022 GMTBARCELONA, Spain (AP) — The European Union on Thursday urged Algeria to reverse its decision to suspend a two-decade-old friendship treaty with Spain.
Algeria ordered the treaty's suspension on Wednesday, the country's latest move to ratchet up pressure on Madrid after the Spanish government changed its long-standing policy regarding the contested territory of Western Sahara.
Venezuela’s Maduro received with pomp on Algeria visit
June 9, 2022 GMTALGIERS, Algeria (AP) — Algeria’s president met on Thursday with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who was welcomed with pomp as he visited the North African nation.
Maduro arrived Wednesday evening, greeted at the Algiers airport by Algeria’s prime minister, as he began what Algeria's state APS news agency called a two-day “working and friendship visit."
New blow: Algeria ends 2-decade friendship treaty with Spain
June 8, 2022 GMTALGIERS, Algeria (AP) — The Algerian president’s office announced Wednesday that the North African nation was “immediately” suspending a two-decade-old friendship treaty with Spain.
It was the latest blow to increasingly wobbly relations between Algiers and Madrid, which depends on Algeria for a large part of its natural gas supply.
Algerian dissidents: Victims of crackdown, or outlaws?
May 28, 2022 GMTPARIS (AP) — Mohamed Benhalima looks wary and frightened as he is led off a plane at Algiers airport, handcuffed with a security officer’s arm wrapped around him. A team from Algeria’s Rapid Intervention Force then puts him in their vehicle and whisks him to an unknown destination.
Europe’s push to cut Russian gas faces a race against winter
May 18, 2022 GMTWhile Europeans bask in the warmth of spring, governments are in a race against winter.
Europe is trying to cut use of Russian natural gas because of the war in Ukraine, but still find enough fuel to keep the lights on and homes warm before it gets cold again.
Russia’s FM Lavrov meets Algeria leader to deepen thick ties
May 10, 2022 GMTALGIERS, Algeria (AP) — Russia’s foreign minister met Tuesday with the president of Algeria, marking 60 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries with hopes of deepening ties.
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov transmitted an invitation from Russian President Vladimir Putin for Algeria's leader, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, to visit Moscow, Algeria's official APS news agency said.
Spain scrambles to stem storm over gas with supplier Algeria
April 28, 2022 GMTMADRID (AP) — Algeria has threatened to suspend its gas exports to Spain, the latest twist in a complex triangle of diplomatic tensions between the gas supplier, the gas importer and their shared neighbor Morocco — all against the background of skyrocketing prices driven by Russia's war in Ukraine.
Italian premier says Algeria to boost natural gas exports
April 11, 2022 GMTMILAN (AP) — Italian Premier Mario Draghi secured a deal Monday for more natural gas imports across a Mediterranean pipeline from Algeria, marking the latest push by a European Union nation to reduce dependence on Russian energy following its invasion of Ukraine.
Spain PM in Morocco to mend ties after Western Sahara shift
April 7, 2022 GMTRABAT, Morocco (AP) — Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez traveled to Rabat on Thursday to meet with Moroccan King Mohammed VI seeking to mark the end of diplomatic tensions centered on Morocco’s disputed region of Western Sahara.
Blinken urges Algeria re-think on Russia, Western Sahara
March 30, 2022 GMTALGIERS, Algeria (AP) — U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken wrapped up a three-nation tour of the Middle East and North Africa Wednesday with appeals for Algeria to limit ties with Russia and look to improve relations with neighboring Morocco.
Salah’s turn as Egypt beats Senegal in 1st leg of WC playoff
March 25, 2022 GMTCAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — Mohamed Salah had his say this time as Egypt beat Sadio Mané's Senegal 1-0 in the first leg of their World Cup playoff on Friday.
Salah's early shot in Cairo cannoned off the crossbar, hit Senegal defender Saliou Ciss and went in to give Egypt a slim advantage over the newly crowned African champion to take to the second leg in Senegal on Tuesday.
Blinken to Mideast as Ukraine war complicates US diplomacy
March 24, 2022 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to the Mideast and North Africa next week as the Biden administration strives to keep allies and partners united in opposition to Russia’s war in Ukraine, the State Department said Thursday.
World Cup playoffs provide a Salah vs. Mané sequel
March 23, 2022 GMTCAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — Africa's World Cup playoffs will serve up a Mohamed Salah vs. Sadio Mané sequel as the Liverpool teammates face off on opposite sides again with their countries, this time for a place at soccer's biggest show.
Cameroon and Ajax goalkeeper Onana OK after bad car crash
March 22, 2022 GMTYAOUNDE, Cameroon (AP) — Cameroon goalkeeper André Onana escaped unhurt after being involved in a serious car crash on Tuesday while traveling to the team camp ahead of a decisive World Cup playoff, the national soccer federation said.
Spain’s ‘U-turn’ on W. Sahara sends ambassadors in and out
March 20, 2022 GMTMADRID (AP) — Morocco on Sunday reinstated its ambassador to Spain, effectively ending a 10-month row between the two key Mediterranean neighbors after Madrid shifted its long-standing position on Western Sahara, its former colony in North Africa.
French forces kill long-time extremist in Mali amid pullout
March 7, 2022 GMTPARIS (AP) — French forces in Mali have killed a long-time al-Qaida official active in Algeria and Libya, French military authorities said Monday.
France's army chief of staff said in a statement that Algerian Yahia Djouadi, who went by the name Abou Ammar al Jazairi, was killed north of Timbuktu Feb.
Algerian minister urges COVID vaccination amid virus surge
January 25, 2022 GMTALGIERS, Algeria (AP) — Algeria’s health minister on Tuesday urged people to get vaccinated and save hospitals from collapse as the North African nation faces a surge of COVID-19 infections.
Algeria is battling infections from both the delta variant and the highly contagious omicron variant, which now accounts for 60% of COVID-19 infections.
Algeria’s leader in Egypt for talks on Libya, Ethiopia dam
January 24, 2022 GMTCAIRO (AP) — Algeria’s President Abdelmadjid Tebboune arrived in Cairo on Monday for a two-day visit focusing on bilateral ties and the turmoil in Libya, officials said.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi received Tebboune at the Cairo international airport, according to the Egyptian leader's office.
African Cup: Defending champ Algeria out, Comoros advances
January 20, 2022 GMTDOUALA, Cameroon (AP) — Defending champion Algeria was dumped out of the African Cup of Nations in the group stage on Thursday with a 3-1 loss to an Ivory Coast team that was rampant at times and announced itself as a contender for the title in Cameroon.
Algeria shuts schools for 10 days as COVID infections surge
January 19, 2022 GMTALGIERS, Algeria (AP) — Algeria's leader on Wednesday ordered all elementary and high schools closed for 10 days because of surging COVID-19 infections in the North African country and authorities tightened entry requirements at airports.
Algeria stunned as African Cup throws up surprises all over
January 16, 2022 GMTDOUALA, Cameroon (AP) — Defending champion Algeria lost 1-0 to Equatorial Guinea on Sunday in one of the biggest-ever upsets at the African Cup of Nations, with a defender who was playing in the fifth tier in Spain last year scoring the goal that beat Riyad Mahrez and his superstar teammates.
UN envoy visits Western Sahara camps in new peace push
January 15, 2022 GMTALGIERS, Algeria (AP) — The U.N. envoy for the disputed Western Sahara visited refugee camps in Algeria on Saturday housing those displaced by fighting decades ago, in a renewed effort to find a diplomatic solution for the territory.
Tough day for Salah’s Egypt, Mahrez’s Algeria at African Cup
January 11, 2022 GMTDOUALA, Cameroon (AP) — Mohamed Salah was kept in check as Egypt lost 1-0 to Nigeria on a superb goal by Kelechi Iheanacho in their first game at the African Cup of Nations on Tuesday.
Riyad Mahrez also had a tough day as he and his Algeria teammates missed several goal-scoring chances to open their title defense with a surprising 0-0 draw with minnow Sierra Leone, which is playing in its first major tournament in 26 years.
Virus and VAR: Things to know about soccer’s African Cup
January 7, 2022 GMTThe threat of the resurgent coronavirus will hang heavily over the African Cup of Nations soccer tournament when it opens on Sunday in Cameroon.
Still, organizers are pressing ahead with the monthlong championship, which features 24 teams, from defending champion Algeria in the far north of the continent to the tiny island nation of Comoros out in the Indian Ocean.
Algeria’s ambassador returns to Paris after 3-month dispute
January 6, 2022 GMTALGIERS, Algeria (AP) — Algeria’s ambassador returned to Paris on Thursday, three months after being recalled amid tensions related to the era of French colonial rule in the North African country.
Algeria-Gambia African Cup warmup canceled because of virus
January 1, 2022 GMTAn African Cup of Nations warmup game between defending champion Algeria and Gambia was called off hours before kick-off in Qatar on Saturday after several Gambia soccer players tested positive for the coronavirus.
Algeria imposes vaccine pass to boost low inoculation rate
December 26, 2021 GMTALGIERS, Algeria (AP) — Algeria started requiring a “vaccine passport” Sunday to enter a broad range of public venues, in a bid to boost the country's low inoculation rate and overcome vaccine hesitancy that has left millions of vaccines unused.