Stories from Algiers · Algeria

The raï music genre, born in Algeria in the 20th century, is described as both popular and transgressive for its themes. The genre saw an international peak in the 1990s. Raï artist Chebabsni was assassinated in 1994 during Algeria's "Black Decade" by an Islamist group.

US Deputy Secretary of State Yair Rabah conducted a two-day visit to Morocco, which included a meeting with the Foreign Minister. On Tuesday, Christopher Landau met with the Algerian President.

Algeria contains approximately two-thirds of a major global groundwater reserve estimated at over 40 trillion cubic meters. The remaining reserves are located under Libya and Tunisia, with Tunisia holding eight percent.

Libya, Algeria, and Tunisia have collectively committed to the rational and equitable exploitation of groundwater located in the northern Sahara. The agreement focuses on strengthening coordination and information exchange between the three nations. This initiative aims to manage shared subterranean water resources in the region. The agreement aims to strengthen coordination and exchanges to ensure the sustainable use of non-renewable freshwater reserves.

He said that Poland is focusing on providing humanitarian aid to victims of the conflict in Ukraine. Sikorski stated that Poland is not changing its visa policies but intends to provide specific humanitarian assistance.

Algerian influencers who made statements regarding France were escorted back to the Algerian border by French authorities. The incident has prompted calls for France and Algeria to establish a relationship based on equality.

Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski is visiting Algeria to discuss energy sector cooperation. Algeria is the world's tenth largest gas producer and sixteenth largest oil producer. Sikorski indicated that discussions also cover broader security contexts. A Polish Deputy Prime Minister is traveling to Algeria to discuss security and economic stability in North Africa. The visit includes meetings with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and Foreign Minister Ahmed Maamoun. Discussions will focus on infrastructure, energy projects, and modern technology cooperation. Discussions included an agreement on cooperation between diplomatic academies and updates on the Polish-Algerian Economic Commission. Sikorski stated that while existing relations are good, the economic potential remains unexploited.

Algeria announced it will exit OPEC and OPEC+ effective May 1, 2026. The move is expected to cause shifts in global oil geopolitics and growth drivers. The UAE is seeking more freedom to set its own production levels, noting a 27% drop in local production in March due to Strait of Hormuz disruptions. Local production fell 27% in March due to impaired flow through the Strait of Hormuz caused by the war in Iran. Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune downplayed the significance of the United Arab Emirates' withdrawal from OPEC and OPEC+ three days ago. Tebboune stated that Saudi Arabia remains the decisive factor in the group. The remarks are being interpreted as Algerian resistance to what is perceived as Emirati expansionism or encroachment on international relations within the Arab region. The source described the President's stance as a proactive measure against regional influence.

United Nations experts have called for the quashing of the trial against Hirak poet Mohamed Tadjadit. Experts warned that reclassified charges against him could carry the death penalty.

Algerian director Merzak Allouache has signed his 19th feature film, a comedy titled Première Ligne. The film has reportedly seen success in Algerian cinemas. The announcement was made during a broadcast on RFI Monde. The film follows a story that has previously been successful in Algerian cinemas. The film explores social observations within Algerian society. The director previously released the long-form work 'Omar Gattlato'. The project is described as a comedy based on a real event that gained popularity on social media. The source noted the film serves as an observation of Algerian society. The film addresses seasonal issues such as the crowding of beaches and the charging for beach equipment like tables, chairs, and umbrellas. Allouache has been an observer of Algerian society since his first feature film, Margat Latot.