Stories from Algeria

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.

Manon Rolando, a 31-year-old farmer, was found and arrested in Algeria yesterday. Algerian police arrested Safi Inaïa, the companion of Manon Rolando, in connection with the disappearance. The 41-year-old man allegedly left France for Algeria on April 2 with a 15-month-old girl. Prosecutors have also placed two individuals under formal investigation for criminal conspiracy.

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.

The sentencing follows a speech made by President Emmanuel Macron in December. No reaction from the French President has been released regarding the judgment.

Algerians are reportedly experiencing a rise in anti-Islam attacks. These incidents have led to increased concern among the Algerian community. Authorities are investigating the reported attacks and have urged calm.

Algeria has detained dissident Boilem-Sensal and a French citizen named Christophe Gleize. This action suggests Algeria anticipates a weak reaction from France. Dictators, despite potential incompetence, operate on a logic of action and reaction. Algerian authorities have detained Boilem-Sensal, a dissident and French citizen. The circumstances surrounding the detention are not yet clear.

Algeria has imposed a three-year ban on the French newspaper 'Al-Ghad'. This decision follows accusations that the newspaper violated national interests. The French stance reportedly focused on freedom of expression and creativity, while Algeria said the independence of its judiciary and rejected external interference. The ban comes after a period of diplomatic tension between the two countries. Boilem-Sensal previously spoke about laxity endangering those under French protection. The French flag itself has been weakened by this situation. The circumstances and reasons for the detention were not immediately clear. This event is part of ongoing political tensions. This event marks a diplomatic incident between France and Algeria. The reasons for the detention and the specific charges, if any, have not been disclosed.

Algeria signed the second package of contracts for the Baladna Algeria project in Algiers. This initiative is a collaboration with the Qatari company Baladna to ensure food security. The signing ceremony took place in the capital city. The French government is accelerating reforms to reduce reliance on Microsoft products in government offices. Industry participants at a recent event proposed that France should implement open-source software to counter the monopoly held by Microsoft. This movement reflects a broader European effort to secure digital sovereignty and decrease control by US technology giants. The initiative follows recent discussions regarding the commercialization of software and the need for digital independence. Algeria is implementing a four-stage project to reduce foreign dependency on essential food supplies.

Algeria aims to increase gas production to meet rising domestic demand and expand exports to Europe. The country seeks additional investments to improve infrastructure and technical capabilities. This follows a shift in European energy imports away from Russia due to the Ukraine war. Increased output is intended to leverage Algeria's role as a key energy supplier. Spain currently relies on Algerian gas for more than 29% of its imports as of the first two months of this year. The country is currently producing gas at its full capacity following the Russian-Ukrainian war, which led European nations to reduce Russian gas imports. Algeria faces high demand for gas that it may not be able to increase significantly in the short term. Available volumes of unassigned gas could allow new oil and gas producers to enter the market.