Algerian army chief Ahmed Gaïd Salah, also the deputy defense minister and chief of staff of the People's National Army (ANP), visited Tamanrasset on Wednesday. He emphasized the ANP's role in protecting the country against a plot to destroy Algeria. According to a statement by the Ministry of National Defense, Gaïd Salah stated that the ANP was aware of the plot from the beginning of the crisis and had developed an effective strategy to counter it.
Gaïd Salah highlighted that the ANP had uncovered the plot's details and implemented a strategy in line with the Constitution and laws of the Republic. He stressed that the ANP, with its historical responsibility, had decided to confront those behind the plot and thwart their plans. The army chief asserted that the ANP had fulfilled its commitment to accompany the people and state institutions.
During his visit to the 6th Military Region in Tamanrasset, Gaïd Salah addressed the nation's situation, stating that the ANP had adopted a clear and frank discourse, as taught by the glorious Liberation Revolution. He emphasized that all ANP speeches were guided by patriotism and sincerity, echoing the High Command's consistent message to the national public.
Gaïd Salah praised the Algerian people's unity with the army, describing it as a historic moment marked by solidarity and understanding. He noted that this unity would remain etched in history. The army chief also discussed the upcoming presidential election, affirming that all conditions for a transparent and trustworthy election had been met.
The creation of the Independent National Electoral Authority, with its president and 50 members, had been completed, Gaïd Salah said. He congratulated Mohamed Charfi on his election as the authority's president, noting that this body enjoyed all necessary prerogatives to organize the electoral process from start to finish. Gaïd Salah assured that the ANP would accompany and support the authority.
Gaïd Salah warned against attempts to undermine the electoral process, stating that there was no need for anyone to seek false pretexts to question its integrity. He emphasized that the two laws recently approved would play a central role in organizing and ensuring the process's success, in line with popular demands.
In a related development, Gaïd Salah announced measures to maintain security and public order, including restrictions on demonstrations in Algiers. He instructed the Gendarmerie nationale to firmly address attempts to disrupt public order, including intercepting vehicles and imposing fines on their owners.
Key points
- Algerian army chief Ahmed Gaïd Salah visits Tamanrasset to reaffirm commitment to national stability and presidential election integrity.
- Gaïd Salah warns against attempts to undermine the electoral process.
- The Algerian army is committed to protecting the country against plots to destroy it.
