Abdelaziz Bouteflika, who ruled Algeria for two decades before resigning in 2019 as huge protests engulfed the country, died on Friday aged 84, public television announced.

The former strongman had left office in April 2019 under pressure from the military, following weeks of demonstrations over his bid to run for a fifth term in office.

After quitting, he had stayed out of the public eye at a residence in western Algiers.

Bouteflika became president of Algeria in 1999 as the former French colony emerged from a decade of civil war that killed nearly 200,000 people.

Dubbed "Boutef" by Algerians, he initially won respect for helping foster peace, notably with an amnesty law that prompted thousands of Islamist fighters to hand in their weapons.

Bouteflika went on to be elected for three more consecutive five-year terms, most recently in 2014.

Journalist Farid Alilat, who has written a biography of Bouteflika, says that at the height of his rule in the early 2000s, the president had "all the levers of power".

Crucially, he was backed by the army and the intelligence services.

"He became an absolute president," Alilat told AFP.

Algeria was largely spared the wave of uprisings that swept the Arab world in 2011, with many crediting still-painful memories of the conflict in the 1990s for keeping a lid on tensions.

But Bouteflika's rule was marked by growing corruption, leaving many Algerians wondering how a country with vast oil wealth could end up with poor infrastructure and high unemployment that pushed many young people overseas.

Health concerns

In his later years, Bouteflika's ill health started weighing on his credibility as a leader.&nbsp;

Despite suffering a mini-stroke in April 2013 that affected his speech and forced him to use a wheelchair, he decided to seek a fourth mandate despite growing public doubts about his ability to rule.&nbsp;

His bid in 2019 for a fifth term sparked angry protests that soon grew into a mass movement against his regime.

When he lost the backing of the army, he was forced to step down.

The Hirak mass protests continued, with demands for a full overhaul of the ruling system in place since Algeria's independence from France in 1962.

But while some key Bouteflika-era figures were eventually jailed in corruption cases, including Bouteflika's powerful brother Said, the long-sought changes did not happen.

Bouteflika's successor Abdelmadjid Tebboune was elected in late 2019 on record low turnout, with the Hirak calling for a boycott.&nbsp;

A referendum on a constitutional amendment seen as aiming to torpedo the Hirak generated even less interest from voters.

But the protest movement was suspended because of the coronavirus pandemic and has struggled to regain momentum as the government cracks down on opposition.

According to the CNLD prisoners' group, around 200 people are in jail in connection with the Hirak or over individual freedoms.

And with the Bouteflika-era old guard still largely ruling the country, the legacy of two decades of his rule is mixed.

"For his entire life, Abdelaziz Bouteflika was driven by two obsessions: take power and keep it at any price," said Alilat.&nbsp;

"But it was this obsession... that sp

Abdelaziz Bouteflika, who ruled Algeria for two decades before resigning in 2019 as huge protests engulfed the country, died on Friday aged 84, public television announced.

Abdelaziz Bouteflika, who ruled Algeria for two decades before resigning in 2019 as huge protests engulfed the country, died on Friday aged 84, public television announced. The former strongman had left office in April 2019 under pressure from the military, following weeks of demonstrations over his bid to run for a fifth term in office. After quitting, he had stayed out of the public eye at a residence in western Algiers. Bouteflika became president of Algeria in 1999 as the former French colony emerged from a decade of civil war that killed nearly 200,000 people. Dubbed "Boutef" by Algerians, he initially won respect for helping foster peace, notably with an amnesty law that prompted thousands of Islamist fighters to hand in their weapons. Bouteflika went on to be elected for three more consecutive five-year terms, most recently in 2014. Journalist Farid Alilat, who has written a biography of Bouteflika, says that at the height of his rule in the early 2000s, the president had "all the levers of power". Crucially, he was backed by the army and the intelligence services. "He became an absolute president," Alilat told AFP. Algeria was largely spared the wave of uprisings that swept the Arab world in 2011, with many crediting still-painful memories of the conflict in the 1990s for keeping a lid on tensions. But Bouteflika's rule was marked by growing corruption, leaving many Algerians wondering how a country with vast oil wealth could end up with poor infrastructure and high unemployment that pushed many young people overseas. Health concerns In his later years, Bouteflika's ill health started weighing on his credibility as a leader. Despite suffering a mini-stroke in April 2013 that affected his speech and forced him to use a wheelchair, he decided to seek a fourth mandate despite growing public doubts about his ability to rule. His bid in 2019 for a fifth term sparked angry protests that soon grew into a mass movement against his regime. When he lost the backing of the army, he was forced to step down. The Hirak mass protests continued, with demands for a full overhaul of the ruling system in place since Algeria's independence from France in 1962. But while some key Bouteflika-era figures were eventually jailed in corruption cases, including Bouteflika's powerful brother Said, the long-sought changes did not happen. Bouteflika's successor Abdelmadjid Tebboune was elected in late 2019 on record low turnout, with the Hirak calling for a boycott. A referendum on a constitutional amendment seen as aiming to torpedo the Hirak generated even less interest from voters. But the protest movement was suspended because of the coronavirus pandemic and has struggled to regain momentum as the government cracks down on opposition. According to the CNLD prisoners' group, around 200 people are in jail in connection with the Hirak or over individual freedoms. And with the Bouteflika-era old guard still largely ruling the country, the legacy of two decades of his rule is mixed. "For his entire life, Abdelaziz Bouteflika was driven by two obsessions: take power and keep it at any price," said Alilat. "But it was this obsession... that sp

Algeria's ex-president Abdelaziz Bouteflika dies aged 84

By the 1970s, nearly all petrol produced around the world contained lead. Now, the last country to use it, Algeria, has finally stopped selling it at petrol stations. With this, the use of leaded petrol has come to an end.

World Business Watch: Algeria ends leaded fuel sales at petrol stations

Algeria formally broke off diplomatic relations with neighboring Morocco, with the foreign minister citing a series of alleged hostile acts.

Algeria cuts diplomatic ties with Morocco over 'hostile issues'

Algeria cut diplomatic relations with Morocco on Tuesday, citing what it called hostile actions by its most populous neighbour with which it has had strained relations for decades. 
 
Speaking at a news conference in Algiers, Foreign Minister Ramdane Lamamra accused Morocco of using Pegasus spyware against its officials, supporting a separatist group and failing in bilateral commitments, including on the Western Sahara issue.

Watch:&nbsp;Algeria cuts diplomatic ties with Morocco over 'hostile issues'

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"The Moroccan kingdom has never stopped its hostile actions against Algeria," he said, announcing the immediate cessation of ties. Consulates in each country, however, will stay open, he added. 
 
Morocco's Foreign Ministry said in a statement published on social media that it regretted what it called an unjustified decision and said it would remain a "credible and loyal partner" to the Algerian people.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/all-is-well-in-cyberspace-websites-of-ousted-afghanistan-govt-are-still-up-a-week-after-taliban-takeover-408189" hreflang="en">All is well in cyberspace: Websites of ousted Afghanistan govt are still up a week after Taliban takeover</a> 
 
While the border between the two North African powers has been closed since 1994, diplomatic relations have not been broken since they were restored in 1988 following an earlier dispute. 
 
Morocco has said for years it wants the border to reopen. Algeria has said it must stay shut for security reasons.

Algeria cut diplomatic relations with Morocco on Tuesday, citing what it called hostile actions by its most populous neighbour with which it has had strained relations for decades.

Algeria cut diplomatic relations with Morocco on Tuesday, citing what it called hostile actions by its most populous neighbour with which it has had strained relations for decades. Speaking at a news conference in Algiers, Foreign Minister Ramdane Lamamra accused Morocco of using Pegasus spyware against its officials, supporting a separatist group and failing in bilateral commitments, including on the Western Sahara issue. Watch: Algeria cuts diplomatic ties with Morocco over 'hostile issues' × "The Moroccan kingdom has never stopped its hostile actions against Algeria," he said, announcing the immediate cessation of ties. Consulates in each country, however, will stay open, he added. Morocco's Foreign Ministry said in a statement published on social media that it regretted what it called an unjustified decision and said it would remain a "credible and loyal partner" to the Algerian people. Also Read: All is well in cyberspace: Websites of ousted Afghanistan govt are still up a week after Taliban takeover While the border between the two North African powers has been closed since 1994, diplomatic relations have not been broken since they were restored in 1988 following an earlier dispute. Morocco has said for years it wants the border to reopen. Algeria has said it must stay shut for security reasons.

Algeria cuts diplomatic relations with Morocco citing 'hostile actions'

Morocco&nbsp;wants to&nbsp;keep&nbsp;open&nbsp;a&nbsp;pipeline&nbsp;supplying Algerian&nbsp;gas&nbsp;via the kingdom to consumers in Europe, a senior official has said, despite a downturn in relations between the North African rivals.

The operating contract for the Moroccan section of the Maghreb-Europe&nbsp;Gas&nbsp;Pipeline, which links fields in Algeria with Spain, runs out in October.

There had been concern its renewal might fall foul of the latest spat between the two countries.

"Morocco's desire to retain this export route has been expressed clearly and consistently at all levels for more than three years," the head of the National Office for Hydrocarbons and Mines, Amina Benkhadra, told state media.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/handling-with-care-us-military-comforts-infants-at-kabul-airport-amid-facilitating-evacuations-407393">Also read |&nbsp;‘Handling with care’: US military comforts infants at Kabul airport amid facilitating evacuations</a>

"We have said so verbally and in writing, publicly and in private discussions, always with the same clarity and the same consistency," she said Wednesday.

Relations between Rabat and Algiers have been strained for decades amid deep differences over the Western Sahara, a disputed but largely Moroccan-controlled territory where Algiers supports a longstanding independence movement.

The border between the two countries has been closed since 1994.

The situation further deteriorated this week when Algeria said it would "review" relations after accusing&nbsp;Morocco&nbsp;of complicity in deadly forest fires that killed at least 90 people.

Algerian authorities have blamed the fires on widespread arson, singling out the independence movement in the mainly Berber region of Kabylie, which was hardest hit.

Morocco wants to keep open a pipeline supplying Algerian gas via the kingdom to consumers in Europe, a senior official has said, despite a downturn in relations between the North African rivals.

Morocco wants to keep open a pipeline supplying Algerian gas via the kingdom to consumers in Europe, a senior official has said, despite a downturn in relations between the North African rivals. The operating contract for the Moroccan section of the Maghreb-Europe Gas Pipeline, which links fields in Algeria with Spain, runs out in October. There had been concern its renewal might fall foul of the latest spat between the two countries. "Morocco's desire to retain this export route has been expressed clearly and consistently at all levels for more than three years," the head of the National Office for Hydrocarbons and Mines, Amina Benkhadra, told state media. Also read | ‘Handling with care’: US military comforts infants at Kabul airport amid facilitating evacuations "We have said so verbally and in writing, publicly and in private discussions, always with the same clarity and the same consistency," she said Wednesday. Relations between Rabat and Algiers have been strained for decades amid deep differences over the Western Sahara, a disputed but largely Moroccan-controlled territory where Algiers supports a longstanding independence movement. The border between the two countries has been closed since 1994. The situation further deteriorated this week when Algeria said it would "review" relations after accusing Morocco of complicity in deadly forest fires that killed at least 90 people. Algerian authorities have blamed the fires on widespread arson, singling out the independence movement in the mainly Berber region of Kabylie, which was hardest hit.

Morocco says keen to keep Algeria-Spain gas pipeline open

Wildfires erupted in Algeria's mountaineous regions engulfing people's homes. The fires have charred whatever people preserved over the years. The wildfires are Algeria's biggest disasters in years.

Wildfires engulf villages of Algeria

Algerian firefighters were still struggling Sunday to put out 19 blazes in the north of the country, where 90 people were killed in wildfires this week.

A statement from the emergency services said its teams were trying to extinguish 19 fires in 10 provinces.

It said six blazes were still raging in Bejaia, three in El Tarf and two in Tizi Ouzou, the worst-hit province where entire villages were destroyed.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nigeria-imposes-partial-curfew-after-deadly-attack-405704">Also read |&nbsp;Nigeria imposes partial curfew after deadly attack</a>

The government has blamed arsonists and a blistering heatwave for dozens of blazes that have raged across the country's north since Monday, but experts have also criticised authorities for failing to prepare for the annual phenomenon.

The fires have killed 90 people, including 33 soldiers, according to reports from local authorities.

Algeria is Africa's biggest country by surface area, and although much of the interior is desert, the country's north has over four million hectares of forest, which is hit every summer by fires.

Last year some 44,000 hectares went up in flames.

Algerian firefighters were still struggling Sunday to put out 19 blazes in the north of the country, where 90 people were killed in wildfires this week. A statement from the emergency services said its teams were trying to extinguish 19 fires in 10 provinces.

Algerian firefighters were still struggling Sunday to put out 19 blazes in the north of the country, where 90 people were killed in wildfires this week. A statement from the emergency services said its teams were trying to extinguish 19 fires in 10 provinces. It said six blazes were still raging in Bejaia, three in El Tarf and two in Tizi Ouzou, the worst-hit province where entire villages were destroyed. Also read | Nigeria imposes partial curfew after deadly attack The government has blamed arsonists and a blistering heatwave for dozens of blazes that have raged across the country's north since Monday, but experts have also criticised authorities for failing to prepare for the annual phenomenon. The fires have killed 90 people, including 33 soldiers, according to reports from local authorities. Algeria is Africa's biggest country by surface area, and although much of the interior is desert, the country's north has over four million hectares of forest, which is hit every summer by fires. Last year some 44,000 hectares went up in flames.

Firefighters in Algeria still at work to extinguish 19 blazes

Hundreds of firefighters battled Thursday to contain new flare-ups in wildfire-ravaged areas of Greece, where summer infernos have caused what the prime minister described as the country's "greatest ecological disaster in decades".

However, rain overnight in some areas and falling temperatures appeared to have eased the situation after two weeks of devastating blazes, and Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said "we can be more optimistic today" than previous days.

Greece's most severe heatwave in decades has fanned blazes that have destroyed more than 100,000 hectares of forests and farmland, the country's worst wildfire damage since 2007, the European Forest Fire Information System said Thursday.

The fires have left three dead, hundreds homeless, forced thousands to flee, and caused economic and environmental devastation.

Greece is just one of a number of countries in the Mediterranean region that have been hit by a savage fire season which authorities have blamed on climate change.

Mitsotakis on Thursday described the "mega fires" as Greece's "greatest ecological disaster in decades".

"Climate crisis is here... and it tells us that everything must change," he told reporters, pointing to other devastating fires in Turkey, Italy and Algeria.

The prime minister said firefighters, volunteers and locals had saved "countless" homes and businesses, but dozens of properties had been lost nonetheless.

Mitsotakis said that 150 homes have been lost in greater Athens over the last week, while the count is ongoing on the island of Evia, which accounts for more than half of the area burned nationwide.

'Can't take it anymore'

A fire service official told AFP on Thursday that "the fire fronts are still active" on Evia and in the Arcadia region of the Peloponnese peninsula and "fires are constantly flaring up" in both areas.

In the north of Evia, where hundreds have been evacuated by boat, 858 firefighters including reinforcements from Ukraine, Romania and Serbia, were battling the flames.

And there was fresh concern in Athens after a new fire broke out on Thursday morning in the industrial zone of Aspropyrgos, 20 kilometres (12 miles) northwest of the capital.

At the height of the fires in early August, the flames had reached the gates of Athens, filling the sky of the city of four million inhabitants with grey smoke.

But after weeks of punishing temperatures often well over 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit), a lower 33 degrees Celsius was forecast for Thursday.

The falling temperatures and overnight rain in Evia, the Peloponnese and central Greece had helped improve the situation, said Stathis Koulis, the mayor of Gortynia.

The village of Gortynia in a mountainous area of Arcadia 200 kilometres (120 miles) west of Athens has become the primary focus in the Peloponnese, with deep ravines posing a challenge to firefighters.

Twenty villages have been evacuated in the area over the past few days and 680 firefighters, including more than a hundred sent to help from France, and five water-dropping aircraft have been relentlessly battling the flames.

"I can't take it anymore," said farmer Kostis Angelou as he wandered between the corpses of his goats, all 372 of them burnt by a fire that devoured forests on Evia.

The 44-year-old managed to survive by spending hours under an irrigation water pipe, surrounded by flames.

"A saint saved me," he said.

Climate 'code red'

The latest extreme weather events come after a "code red" report from the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change was published on Monday warning that the world is warming far faster than previously feared.

The Mediterranean has been singled out as a "climate change hotspot", with increasing temperatures and aridity lengthening fire seasons and doubling the areas potential burnt, according to draft IPCC assessment seen exclusively by AFP.

Algeria announced three days of national mourning starting Thursday for the 69 dead killed in blazes there.

Five have died in fires in Italy, where what is believed to be a new European record of 48.8 degrees Celsius (119.8 Fahrenheit) was registered in Sicily on Wednesday -- beating the previous high recorded in Greece in 1977.

Eight people were killed in fires in Turkey's south earlier in the month, while in the north the death count rose to five on Thursday from flash floods that have swept across several Black Sea regions.

Hundreds of firefighters battled Thursday to contain new flare-ups in wildfire-ravaged areas of Greece, where summer infernos have caused what the prime minister described as the country's "greatest ecological disaster in decades".

Hundreds of firefighters battled Thursday to contain new flare-ups in wildfire-ravaged areas of Greece, where summer infernos have caused what the prime minister described as the country's "greatest ecological disaster in decades". However, rain overnight in some areas and falling temperatures appeared to have eased the situation after two weeks of devastating blazes, and Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said "we can be more optimistic today" than previous days. Greece's most severe heatwave in decades has fanned blazes that have destroyed more than 100,000 hectares of forests and farmland, the country's worst wildfire damage since 2007, the European Forest Fire Information System said Thursday. The fires have left three dead, hundreds homeless, forced thousands to flee, and caused economic and environmental devastation. Greece is just one of a number of countries in the Mediterranean region that have been hit by a savage fire season which authorities have blamed on climate change. Mitsotakis on Thursday described the "mega fires" as Greece's "greatest ecological disaster in decades". "Climate crisis is here... and it tells us that everything must change," he told reporters, pointing to other devastating fires in Turkey, Italy and Algeria. The prime minister said firefighters, volunteers and locals had saved "countless" homes and businesses, but dozens of properties had been lost nonetheless. Mitsotakis said that 150 homes have been lost in greater Athens over the last week, while the count is ongoing on the island of Evia, which accounts for more than half of the area burned nationwide. 'Can't take it anymore' A fire service official told AFP on Thursday that "the fire fronts are still active" on Evia and in the Arcadia region of the Peloponnese peninsula and "fires are constantly flaring up" in both areas. In the north of Evia, where hundreds have been evacuated by boat, 858 firefighters including reinforcements from Ukraine, Romania and Serbia, were battling the flames. And there was fresh concern in Athens after a new fire broke out on Thursday morning in the industrial zone of Aspropyrgos, 20 kilometres (12 miles) northwest of the capital. At the height of the fires in early August, the flames had reached the gates of Athens, filling the sky of the city of four million inhabitants with grey smoke. But after weeks of punishing temperatures often well over 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit), a lower 33 degrees Celsius was forecast for Thursday. The falling temperatures and overnight rain in Evia, the Peloponnese and central Greece had helped improve the situation, said Stathis Koulis, the mayor of Gortynia. The village of Gortynia in a mountainous area of Arcadia 200 kilometres (120 miles) west of Athens has become the primary focus in the Peloponnese, with deep ravines posing a challenge to firefighters. Twenty villages have been evacuated in the area over the past few days and 680 firefighters, including more than a hundred sent to help from France, and five water-dropping aircraft have been relentlessly battling the flames. "I can't take it anymore," said farmer Kostis Angelou as he wandered between the corpses of his goats, all 372 of them burnt by a fire that devoured forests on Evia. The 44-year-old managed to survive by spending hours under an irrigation water pipe, surrounded by flames. "A saint saved me," he said. Climate 'code red' The latest extreme weather events come after a "code red" report from the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change was published on Monday warning that the world is warming far faster than previously feared. The Mediterranean has been singled out as a "climate change hotspot", with increasing temperatures and aridity lengthening fire seasons and doubling the areas potential burnt, according to draft IPCC assessment seen exclusively by AFP. Algeria announced three days of national mourning starting Thursday for the 69 dead killed in blazes there. Five have died in fires in Italy, where what is believed to be a new European record of 48.8 degrees Celsius (119.8 Fahrenheit) was registered in Sicily on Wednesday -- beating the previous high recorded in Greece in 1977. Eight people were killed in fires in Turkey's south earlier in the month, while in the north the death count rose to five on Thursday from flash floods that have swept across several Black Sea regions.

Over 100,000 hectares burned as Greece faces ‘ecological disaster’ from wildfires

Blazes raged across northern&nbsp;Algeria&nbsp;on Thursday as the country observed a national day of mourning for dozens of people killed in the latest wildfires to sweep the Mediterranean.

The North African country has been in the grip of devastating fires since Monday that have claimed 69 lives, including&nbsp;41 civilians and 28 soldiers.

Soldiers and civilian volunteers have joined firefighters on multiple fronts in the effort to extinguish the blazes that have been fanned by windy and tinder-dry conditions.

In Tizi Ouzou district, the area with the highest casualty toll, an AFP journalist reported entire sectors of forest going up in smoke as far as the eye can see.

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Villagers forced to evacuate in order to escape the flames began trickling back to their homes, overwhelmed by the scale of the damage.

"I have nothing left. My workshop, my car, my flat. Even the tiles were destroyed," one of them told AFP.

But he said he had "managed to save his family", while adding that "neighbours died or lost their relatives".&nbsp;

'Surge of solidarity'

President Abdelmadjid Tebboune declared three days of national mourning starting from Thursday, and authorities say they suspect widespread arson after so many fires erupted in such a short space of time.

On the fourth day of the wildfires, efforts to overcome the blazes are continuing in many regions where civilians and soldiers often with limited means joined the fight.

Images of trapped villagers, terrified livestock and forested hillsides reduced to blackened stumps have been shared on social media.

Algeria&nbsp;is also chartering two firefighting planes from the European Union, aircraft recently used to stop fires in Greece.

France announced on Wednesday that it was sending three more aircraft.

Neighbouring Morocco, with whom&nbsp;Algeria&nbsp;has long had strained ties over the Western Sahara, also expressed a readiness to help by providing two planes.

Faced with the scale of the disaster, pleas for help are multiplying in&nbsp;Algeria&nbsp;and beyond.

"Individuals and associations are mobilising... by organising collections of clothes, foodstuffs, medicines and hygiene products," said the TSA news website, calling it a "surge of solidarity".

Heatwave

High winds fuelled the rapid spread of the flames in tinder-dry conditions created by a heatwave across North Africa and the wider Mediterranean.

The authorities have raised the possibility of criminal behaviour.

Four suspected "arsonists" arrested so far, but their identities or suspected motives have not yet been disclosed.

Armed forces chief Said Chengriha visited soldiers in Tizi Ouzou and Bejaia, another badly affected area. Prime Minister Aimene Benabderrahmane also visited Tizi Ouzou.

Each summer,&nbsp;Algeria&nbsp;endures seasonal wildfires, but rarely anything approaching this year's disaster.

Meteorologistsexpect the Maghreb heatwave to continue until the end of the week, with temperatures in&nbsp;Algeria&nbsp;reaching 50 degrees Celsius.

Across the border in Tunisia, the temperature in the capital Tunis hit an all-time record of 49 degrees Celsius&nbsp;on Tuesday.

On the northern shores of the Mediterranean, deadly wildfires have been raging in Turkey and Greece for the past two weeks.

In Italy, where firefighters were battling more than 500 blazes overnight, Sicily recorded a temperature of 48.8 degrees Celsius&nbsp;on Wednesday which is believed to be a new European record.

Blazes raged across northern Algeria on Thursday as the country observed a national day of mourning for dozens of people killed in the latest wildfires to sweep the Mediterranean.

Blazes raged across northern Algeria on Thursday as the country observed a national day of mourning for dozens of people killed in the latest wildfires to sweep the Mediterranean. The North African country has been in the grip of devastating fires since Monday that have claimed 69 lives, including 41 civilians and 28 soldiers. Soldiers and civilian volunteers have joined firefighters on multiple fronts in the effort to extinguish the blazes that have been fanned by windy and tinder-dry conditions. In Tizi Ouzou district, the area with the highest casualty toll, an AFP journalist reported entire sectors of forest going up in smoke as far as the eye can see. Also read | Young Afghan general takes fight against Taliban to social media Villagers forced to evacuate in order to escape the flames began trickling back to their homes, overwhelmed by the scale of the damage. "I have nothing left. My workshop, my car, my flat. Even the tiles were destroyed," one of them told AFP. But he said he had "managed to save his family", while adding that "neighbours died or lost their relatives". 'Surge of solidarity' President Abdelmadjid Tebboune declared three days of national mourning starting from Thursday, and authorities say they suspect widespread arson after so many fires erupted in such a short space of time. On the fourth day of the wildfires, efforts to overcome the blazes are continuing in many regions where civilians and soldiers often with limited means joined the fight. Images of trapped villagers, terrified livestock and forested hillsides reduced to blackened stumps have been shared on social media. Algeria is also chartering two firefighting planes from the European Union, aircraft recently used to stop fires in Greece. France announced on Wednesday that it was sending three more aircraft. Neighbouring Morocco, with whom Algeria has long had strained ties over the Western Sahara, also expressed a readiness to help by providing two planes. Faced with the scale of the disaster, pleas for help are multiplying in Algeria and beyond. "Individuals and associations are mobilising... by organising collections of clothes, foodstuffs, medicines and hygiene products," said the TSA news website, calling it a "surge of solidarity". Heatwave High winds fuelled the rapid spread of the flames in tinder-dry conditions created by a heatwave across North Africa and the wider Mediterranean. The authorities have raised the possibility of criminal behaviour. Four suspected "arsonists" arrested so far, but their identities or suspected motives have not yet been disclosed. Armed forces chief Said Chengriha visited soldiers in Tizi Ouzou and Bejaia, another badly affected area. Prime Minister Aimene Benabderrahmane also visited Tizi Ouzou. Each summer, Algeria endures seasonal wildfires, but rarely anything approaching this year's disaster. Meteorologistsexpect the Maghreb heatwave to continue until the end of the week, with temperatures in Algeria reaching 50 degrees Celsius. Across the border in Tunisia, the temperature in the capital Tunis hit an all-time record of 49 degrees Celsius on Tuesday. On the northern shores of the Mediterranean, deadly wildfires have been raging in Turkey and Greece for the past two weeks. In Italy, where firefighters were battling more than 500 blazes overnight, Sicily recorded a temperature of 48.8 degrees Celsius on Wednesday which is believed to be a new European record.

Wildfires rage as Algeria observes day of mourning

Firefighters, troops and civilian volunteers battled blazes in forests across northern Algeria Wednesday as the country reeled at a death toll of at least 65 people in the latest Mediterranean wildfires.

Algeria's President Abdelmadjid Tebboune declared three days of national mourning starting from Thursday, and authorities say they suspect widespread arson after so many fires erupted in such a short space of time.

Twenty-eight of those killed were soldiers deployed to help overstretched emergency services tackle the rash of more than 50 fires that broke out on Tuesday, state television reported.

Several arrests have been announced, but the identity or suspected motives of those detained have not been disclosed.

Images of trapped villagers, terrified livestock and forested hillsides reduced to blackened stumps were shared on social media, many of them accompanied by pleas for help.

AFP journalists saw villagers desperately trying to put out the spreading fires with makeshift brooms in an effort to save their homes.

High winds fuelled the rapid spread of the fires in the tinder-dry conditions created by a heatwave across North Africa and the wider Mediterranean, fire official Youcef Ould Mohamed told the state-run APS news agency.

Scores of separate wildfires remained active Wednesday, spread across 17 provinces, emergency services spokesman Nassim Barnaoui told reporters.

Most of the fires and 16 of the deaths were recorded in Tizi Ouzou district, in the mainly Berber region of Kabylie, east of the capital Algiers.

"I left all my stock in my village and fled to Tizi Ouzou with my wife and three children," said Abdelhamid Boudraren, a shopkeeper from the village of Beni Yeni.

"Luckily I own a flat in the centre of Tizi Ouzou, where I'm holed up with my family and some neighbours."

The situation was also "alarming" in Bejaia, Tarch Hakim, the head of civil protection in the city, the second biggest in Kabylie, told APS.

"Things were under control, but with the outbreak of nine large fires on Wednesday morning, our forces are scattered," Hakim said.

Fires in Tunisia

There have been mounting calls for aid convoys to be sent to the worst-hit districts with food and medicine from the capital.

On Wednesday, an AFP correspondent saw several lorries headed to Tizi Ouzou with aid donated by the public.

France's Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said the former colonial power "stands ready" to offer support in tackling the situation, and expressed the "solidarity of France with the Algerian people", in a post on Twitter.

The British embassy in Algiers offered their "condolences to those who have died, or been injured or affected".

State media have reported four arrests for suspected arson.

Meteorologists expect the heat wave across North Africa to continue until the end of the week, with temperatures in Algeria reaching 46 degrees Celsius (115 degrees Fahrenheit).

In Algeria's neighbour Tunisia, the temperature in the capital Tunis hit an all-time record of 49 degrees Celsius (120 degrees Fahrenheit) on Tuesday.

The Tunisian emergency services reported 15 fires across the north and northwest, but no casualties.

On the northern shores of the Mediterranean, Turkey reported eight deaths and Greece three from wildfires that have raged for the past two weeks.

Each summer, Algeria endures seasonal wildfires, but rarely anything approaching this year's toll.

In 2020, nearly 440 square kilometres (170 square miles) of forest were destroyed by fire, and several people were arrested on suspicion of arson.

On Monday, the UN released a major report showing how the threat from global warming is even more acute than previously thought.

It highlighted how scientists are quantifying the extent to which human-induced warming increases the intensity and/or likelihood of a specific extreme weather event, such as a heatwave or a wildfire.

Climate change amplifies droughts, creating ideal conditions for wildfires to spread out of control and inflict unprecedented material and environmental damage.

Firefighters, troops and civilian volunteers battled blazes in forests across northern Algeria Wednesday as the country reeled at a death toll of at least 65 people in the latest Mediterranean wildfires.

Firefighters, troops and civilian volunteers battled blazes in forests across northern Algeria Wednesday as the country reeled at a death toll of at least 65 people in the latest Mediterranean wildfires. Algeria's President Abdelmadjid Tebboune declared three days of national mourning starting from Thursday, and authorities say they suspect widespread arson after so many fires erupted in such a short space of time. Twenty-eight of those killed were soldiers deployed to help overstretched emergency services tackle the rash of more than 50 fires that broke out on Tuesday, state television reported. Several arrests have been announced, but the identity or suspected motives of those detained have not been disclosed. Images of trapped villagers, terrified livestock and forested hillsides reduced to blackened stumps were shared on social media, many of them accompanied by pleas for help. AFP journalists saw villagers desperately trying to put out the spreading fires with makeshift brooms in an effort to save their homes. High winds fuelled the rapid spread of the fires in the tinder-dry conditions created by a heatwave across North Africa and the wider Mediterranean, fire official Youcef Ould Mohamed told the state-run APS news agency. Scores of separate wildfires remained active Wednesday, spread across 17 provinces, emergency services spokesman Nassim Barnaoui told reporters. Most of the fires and 16 of the deaths were recorded in Tizi Ouzou district, in the mainly Berber region of Kabylie, east of the capital Algiers. "I left all my stock in my village and fled to Tizi Ouzou with my wife and three children," said Abdelhamid Boudraren, a shopkeeper from the village of Beni Yeni. "Luckily I own a flat in the centre of Tizi Ouzou, where I'm holed up with my family and some neighbours." The situation was also "alarming" in Bejaia, Tarch Hakim, the head of civil protection in the city, the second biggest in Kabylie, told APS. "Things were under control, but with the outbreak of nine large fires on Wednesday morning, our forces are scattered," Hakim said. Fires in Tunisia There have been mounting calls for aid convoys to be sent to the worst-hit districts with food and medicine from the capital. On Wednesday, an AFP correspondent saw several lorries headed to Tizi Ouzou with aid donated by the public. France's Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said the former colonial power "stands ready" to offer support in tackling the situation, and expressed the "solidarity of France with the Algerian people", in a post on Twitter. The British embassy in Algiers offered their "condolences to those who have died, or been injured or affected". State media have reported four arrests for suspected arson. Meteorologists expect the heat wave across North Africa to continue until the end of the week, with temperatures in Algeria reaching 46 degrees Celsius (115 degrees Fahrenheit). In Algeria's neighbour Tunisia, the temperature in the capital Tunis hit an all-time record of 49 degrees Celsius (120 degrees Fahrenheit) on Tuesday. The Tunisian emergency services reported 15 fires across the north and northwest, but no casualties. On the northern shores of the Mediterranean, Turkey reported eight deaths and Greece three from wildfires that have raged for the past two weeks. Each summer, Algeria endures seasonal wildfires, but rarely anything approaching this year's toll. In 2020, nearly 440 square kilometres (170 square miles) of forest were destroyed by fire, and several people were arrested on suspicion of arson. On Monday, the UN released a major report showing how the threat from global warming is even more acute than previously thought. It highlighted how scientists are quantifying the extent to which human-induced warming increases the intensity and/or likelihood of a specific extreme weather event, such as a heatwave or a wildfire. Climate change amplifies droughts, creating ideal conditions for wildfires to spread out of control and inflict unprecedented material and environmental damage.

Algeria mourns 65 dead as Mediterranean wildfires spread

Algeria on Thursday expressed "deep concern" following press reports that it may have been the target of the Israeli-made Pegasus spyware as it launched a probe.

The foreign ministry denounced what it termed an &nbsp;"inadmissible, systematic attack on human rights and fundamental freedoms" and singled out neighbouring Morocco for "spying on Algerian officials and citizens".

Morocco and Algeria have repeatedly sparred over the disputed region of Western Sahara, which Morocco considers an integral part of its territory while Algeria backs the pro-independence Polisario movement.

Relations between the two neighbours soured again on Sunday after Algeria recalled its ambassador in Morocco for consultations after Morocco's envoy to the United Nations expressed support for self-determination for Algeria's restless Kabylie region.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/morning-news-brief-pegasus-row-afghanistan-taliban-tokyo-olympics-and-more-399600">Also read |&nbsp;&nbsp;Morning News Brief: Pegasus row, Afghanistan-Taliban, Tokyo Olympics and more</a>

News outlets, including Le Monde and the Washington Post, had reported on Sunday that the software, developed by Israeli firm NSO Group, had been used by governments to spy on activists, journalists, lawyers and politicians around the world.

The bombshell claims were based on a document leaked to Forbidden Stories, a Paris-based media nonprofit, and Amnesty International.

It contained 50,000 telephone numbers of people identified as potential targets via Pegasus between 2016 and June 2021.&nbsp;

Many numbers on the list were clustered in 10 countries including Morocco.

Morocco said on Monday it "categorically rejects" claims its intelligence services used Pegasus to monitor critics at home and abroad.

It also filed a defamation claim against Amnesty International and the French NGO, due to allegations its intelligence services used Pegasus against dozens of French journalists.

Algeria on Thursday expressed "deep concern" following press reports that it may have been the target of the Israeli-made Pegasus spyware as it launched a probe.

Algeria on Thursday expressed "deep concern" following press reports that it may have been the target of the Israeli-made Pegasus spyware as it launched a probe. The foreign ministry denounced what it termed an "inadmissible, systematic attack on human rights and fundamental freedoms" and singled out neighbouring Morocco for "spying on Algerian officials and citizens". Morocco and Algeria have repeatedly sparred over the disputed region of Western Sahara, which Morocco considers an integral part of its territory while Algeria backs the pro-independence Polisario movement. Relations between the two neighbours soured again on Sunday after Algeria recalled its ambassador in Morocco for consultations after Morocco's envoy to the United Nations expressed support for self-determination for Algeria's restless Kabylie region. Also read | Morning News Brief: Pegasus row, Afghanistan-Taliban, Tokyo Olympics and more News outlets, including Le Monde and the Washington Post, had reported on Sunday that the software, developed by Israeli firm NSO Group, had been used by governments to spy on activists, journalists, lawyers and politicians around the world. The bombshell claims were based on a document leaked to Forbidden Stories, a Paris-based media nonprofit, and Amnesty International. It contained 50,000 telephone numbers of people identified as potential targets via Pegasus between 2016 and June 2021. Many numbers on the list were clustered in 10 countries including Morocco. Morocco said on Monday it "categorically rejects" claims its intelligence services used Pegasus to monitor critics at home and abroad. It also filed a defamation claim against Amnesty International and the French NGO, due to allegations its intelligence services used Pegasus against dozens of French journalists.

Algeria launches probe into Pegasus spyware claim

Over 400 undocumented workers, mainly from Morocco and Algeria, are staging a mass hunger strike in Belgium to pressure authorities into granting them the right to remain in the country.

Undocumented workers from Morocco and Algeria stage hunger strike in Belgium

The Algerian coastguard has seized almost half a tonne of cocaine after fishermen alerted authorities to "suspicious" items floating off the northwest coast, a defence ministry statement said Monday.

The coastguard fished out 490 kilos (1,080 pounds) of cocaine split up into 442 packages from the water six nautical miles (11 kilometres) off Oran's Cap Carbon on Saturday evening, the ministry said.

An investigation is underway.

The cocaine seizure is the largest in the North African country since authorities found some 700 kilos of the drug on a boat transporting meat from Brazil in 2018.

The country's anti-drug office said Friday that more than 25 tonnes of cannabis resin had been seized in the first four months of this year.

The Algerian coastguard has seized almost half a tonne of cocaine after fishermen alerted authorities to "suspicious" items floating off the northwest coast, a defence ministry statement said Monday.

The Algerian coastguard has seized almost half a tonne of cocaine after fishermen alerted authorities to "suspicious" items floating off the northwest coast, a defence ministry statement said Monday. The coastguard fished out 490 kilos (1,080 pounds) of cocaine split up into 442 packages from the water six nautical miles (11 kilometres) off Oran's Cap Carbon on Saturday evening, the ministry said. An investigation is underway. The cocaine seizure is the largest in the North African country since authorities found some 700 kilos of the drug on a boat transporting meat from Brazil in 2018. The country's anti-drug office said Friday that more than 25 tonnes of cannabis resin had been seized in the first four months of this year.

Half a tonne of cocaine found floating off Algeria coast

Forces loyal to Libya's eastern-based commander Khalifa Haftar have closed the border with Algeria, they said on Sunday, after major deployments of his forces to the south underscored his continued role despite efforts to unify the country. 
 
Haftar's Libyan National Army (LNA) last week sent troops into the southern city of Sebha, which was already allied to eastern forces, and then on Saturday to a southern border crossing with Algeria. 
 
"The armed forces has closed the Libyan-Algerian border and declared it a military zone in which movement is prohibited,"&nbsp;said the Moral Guidance Department, an LNA media unit. 
 
The nearly 1,000-kilometre (620 miles) border between Algeria and Libya cuts through mostly uninhabited desert and has few crossings. 
 
Haftar was put onto the back foot last year after the collapse of his 14-month offensive against Tripoli, while a new unity government backed by a UN-facilitated peace process has called into question his political position. 
 
However, despite progress towards a political solution for Libya after a decade of violence and chaos, most of the country is still controlled by armed groups, corruption is rampant and the outside powers involved in the conflict have not withdrawn. 
 
Progress is expected on Sunday in implementing the terms of a military ceasefire in place since September, with the planned reopening of the main coast road across front lines, and foreign powers will convene in Berlin this week for Libya talks.

Forces loyal to Libya's eastern-based commander Khalifa Haftar have closed the border with Algeria, they said on Sunday, after major deployments of his forces to the south underscored his continued role despite efforts to unify the country.

Forces loyal to Libya's eastern-based commander Khalifa Haftar have closed the border with Algeria, they said on Sunday, after major deployments of his forces to the south underscored his continued role despite efforts to unify the country. Haftar's Libyan National Army (LNA) last week sent troops into the southern city of Sebha, which was already allied to eastern forces, and then on Saturday to a southern border crossing with Algeria. "The armed forces has closed the Libyan-Algerian border and declared it a military zone in which movement is prohibited," said the Moral Guidance Department, an LNA media unit. The nearly 1,000-kilometre (620 miles) border between Algeria and Libya cuts through mostly uninhabited desert and has few crossings. Haftar was put onto the back foot last year after the collapse of his 14-month offensive against Tripoli, while a new unity government backed by a UN-facilitated peace process has called into question his political position. However, despite progress towards a political solution for Libya after a decade of violence and chaos, most of the country is still controlled by armed groups, corruption is rampant and the outside powers involved in the conflict have not withdrawn. Progress is expected on Sunday in implementing the terms of a military ceasefire in place since September, with the planned reopening of the main coast road across front lines, and foreign powers will convene in Berlin this week for Libya talks.

Libya's Haftar closes border with Algeria

Algeria voted Saturday in a parliamentary election boycotted by the long-running Hirak protest movement and marked by a high abstention rate. Pro-government parties had urged a big turnout for the "crucial vote" hoping to restore stability after two years of turmoil since the ouster of veteran President Abdelaziz Bouteflika under pressure from the protests.

Algeria voted Saturday in a parliamentary election boycotted by the long-running Hirak protest movement and marked by a high abstention rate. Pro-government parties had urged a big turnout for the "crucial vote" hoping to restore stability after two years of turmoil since the ouster of veteran President Abdelaziz Bouteflika under pressure from the protests. The Hirak movement, which had held weekly demonstrations for reform until they were effectively banned last month, rejected the polls as a "sham". Seven leading protest movement figures were arrested ahead of polling day while police deployed heavily in the capital of Algiers to preempt any attempt to rally. Turnout was just 30.2 percent, the lowest in at least 20 years for legislative elections, electoral commission chief Mohamed Chorfi said after polls closed. By comparison, turnout was 35.7 percent for the last legislative vote in 2017. President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, who was elected on an official turnout of less than 40 percent in late 2019, put a brave face on the low turnout. "For me, it's not the turnout percentage that's important, it's whether the lawmakers that the people elect have sufficient legitimacy," he said after casting his vote in Algiers. The shape of the new assembly should emerge on Sunday but it will be 96 hours before official results are announced, Chorfi said. In Algiers, only a trickle of people was seen entering polling stations, AFP correspondents said. "I've never voted, and this time it's no different. I don't believe it would change anything," said Fatiha, a shopkeeper in her 50s. Hamid, a 60-year-old office manager, said he voted for the sake of "stability". In the opposition stronghold of Kabylie, a mainly Berber region east of Algiers, most polling stations in the main cities of Bejaia and Tizi Ouzou remained closed, the Algerian League for the Defence of Human Rights (LADDH) and the CNLD prisoners' right groups said. Scuffles broke out in Kabylie, where ballot boxes were ransacked, and security forces detained dozens of people, the two groups said, with the CNLD also reporting arrests in Algiers and the nearby city of Boumerdes. 'Repressive atmosphere' More than 13,000 candidates stood for the 407 seats in parliament, more than half listed as "independent". The protest movement has urged boycotts of all national polls since it mobilised hundreds of thousands of people in 2019 to force Bouteflika and his cronies from power, after the ailing president launched a bid for a fifth term. It returned to the streets in February after an almost-year-long break caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. But the government stepped up its crackdown last month, blocking protests and detaining hundreds of activists who have defied new restrictions on public gatherings. Leading opposition figure Karim Tabbou, independent journalist Khaled Drareni and the director of a pro-reform radio station, Ihsane El Kadi, were among seven people detained Thursday. The three were released on Friday night, a campaign group said. "These arrests mark a chilling escalation in the Algerian authorities' clampdown on the rights to freedom of expression and association," Amnesty International said, reporting more than 200 people were in detention in connection with the protest movement. Old guard and economic woes Tebboune claims to have responded to the protesters' main demands "in record time", and says those still protesting are "counter-revolutionaries" in the pay of "foreign parties". But the Hirak says Tebboune's past role as premier under Bouteflika confirms its narrative that the old guard, in power since Algeria's 1962 independence from France, retains an undiluted grip on power. Established parties linked to Bouteflika's rule -- the National Liberation Front (FLN) and the Democratic National Rally (RND) -- are seen as likely to lose seats. Islamist parties are hoping to take advantage -- but with their vote split between five rival factions, they may struggle to make real gains. Africa's fourth-largest economy is heavily dependent on oil revenues, which have slumped in the face of the global economic slowdown. Unemployment stands at more than 12 percent, according to World Bank figures. It has also been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic, which has claimed more than 3,500 lives in the country, according to the health ministry.

Algerians shun parliamentary election under protest boycott

Thousands protested in Algiers Friday during a weekly demonstration of the Hirak&nbsp;pro-democracy&nbsp;movement despite a heavy police presence, AFP correspondents said.&nbsp;

Protesters&nbsp;changed route for the first time since marches resumed in February in order to avoid police roadblocks.&nbsp;

"Whatever you do, we will not stop,"&nbsp;protesters&nbsp;shouted, addressing a massive police presence in the centre of the capital.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="Algeria detains leading opposition figure">Algeria detains leading opposition figure</a>

Some held pictures of prisoners of conscience -- opposition and Hirak activists -- demanding their release.&nbsp;

"Repression only strengthens the will to fight and cements the solidarity of those subjected to it," other signs read.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The CNLD prisoners' rights group says over 70 people are currently imprisoned in connection to the Hirak or cases related to freedom of expression, and that some detainees have begun hunger strikes to protest their conditions.&nbsp;

Police used force to break up last Friday's rally in Algiers and made several arrests. Most of those detained have since been released.&nbsp;

Amnesty International on Friday called on&nbsp;Algerian&nbsp;authorities to "allow for peaceful protests&nbsp;without resorting to&nbsp;force&nbsp;and other punitive measures&nbsp;unnecessarily".&nbsp;&nbsp;

"All those detained solely for exercising their rights to freedom of expression, association or peaceful assembly must be immediately and unconditionally released and have all charges against them dropped," said Amna Guellali, Amnesty's regional deputy director.&nbsp;

"The police forces'&nbsp;heavy-handed response to brave&nbsp;protesters&nbsp;taking part in the&nbsp;Hirak&nbsp;movement exemplifies why&nbsp;people across Algeria are calling for political reform," she added in a statement. "The&nbsp;use of&nbsp;unlawful&nbsp;force and&nbsp;arbitrary&nbsp;detentions&nbsp;is&nbsp;unacceptable."

The Hirak protest movement was sparked over president Abdelaziz Bouteflika's bid for a fifth term in office.&nbsp;

The ailing autocrat was forced to step down weeks later, but the Hirak has continued its demonstrations, demanding a sweeping overhaul of a ruling system in place since Algeria's independence from France in 1962.&nbsp;

Marches were suspended for around a year due to the coronavirus pandemic, but&nbsp;protesters&nbsp;have returned to the&nbsp;streets&nbsp;since February as the movement regains momentum.&nbsp;

Thousands protested in Algiers Friday during a weekly demonstration of the Hirak pro-democracy movement despite a heavy police presence, AFP correspondents said.

Thousands protested in Algiers Friday during a weekly demonstration of the Hirak pro-democracy movement despite a heavy police presence, AFP correspondents said. Protesters changed route for the first time since marches resumed in February in order to avoid police roadblocks. "Whatever you do, we will not stop," protesters shouted, addressing a massive police presence in the centre of the capital. Also read | Algeria detains leading opposition figure Some held pictures of prisoners of conscience -- opposition and Hirak activists -- demanding their release. "Repression only strengthens the will to fight and cements the solidarity of those subjected to it," other signs read. The CNLD prisoners' rights group says over 70 people are currently imprisoned in connection to the Hirak or cases related to freedom of expression, and that some detainees have begun hunger strikes to protest their conditions. Police used force to break up last Friday's rally in Algiers and made several arrests. Most of those detained have since been released. Amnesty International on Friday called on Algerian authorities to "allow for peaceful protests without resorting to force and other punitive measures unnecessarily". "All those detained solely for exercising their rights to freedom of expression, association or peaceful assembly must be immediately and unconditionally released and have all charges against them dropped," said Amna Guellali, Amnesty's regional deputy director. "The police forces' heavy-handed response to brave protesters taking part in the Hirak movement exemplifies why people across Algeria are calling for political reform," she added in a statement. "The use of unlawful force and arbitrary detentions is unacceptable." The Hirak protest movement was sparked over president Abdelaziz Bouteflika's bid for a fifth term in office. The ailing autocrat was forced to step down weeks later, but the Hirak has continued its demonstrations, demanding a sweeping overhaul of a ruling system in place since Algeria's independence from France in 1962. Marches were suspended for around a year due to the coronavirus pandemic, but protesters have returned to the streets since February as the movement regains momentum.

Algerian pro-democracy protesters hit streets

A&nbsp;leading&nbsp;Algerian&nbsp;opposition&nbsp;activist has been detained and is to appear before prosecutors on Thursday, his lawyer said, weeks ahead of elections he and other opponents have pledged to boycott.

Karim Tabbou, a key&nbsp;figure&nbsp;in demonstrations that forced longtime president Abdelaziz Bouteflika to resign in 2019, was handed a one-year suspended sentence last year for "undermining state security".

His detention comes as the pro-democracy protest movement known as Hirak has sought to regain some of the momentum it lost when it suspended street rallies just over a year ago due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Tabbou was summoned to the police station on Wednesday evening to respond to a complaint filed against him by Bouzid Lazhari, the president of the National Council for Human Rights, an official body.

The 47-year-old was to appear before a prosecutor on Thursday, lawyer Me Ali Fellah Benali said on social media.

"Algeria's youth is determined to fight for their right to a dignified life," Tabbou told AFP ahead of his detention.

He became one of the most recognisable leaders at mass demonstrations that broke out in February 2019.

The Hirak protest movement was sparked in February 2019&nbsp;over Bouteflika's bid for a fifth term in office.

The ailing autocrat was forced to step down weeks later, but the Hirak has continued its demonstrations, demanding a sweeping overhaul of a ruling system in place since&nbsp;Algeria's independence from France in 1962.

Since the group's second anniversary in February, thousands have returned to the streets, defying a coronavirus ban on gatherings.

Ordinary Algerians 'fed up'

Tabbou said his own party, the Democratic Social Union, was now "the largest political party" in the North African country, despite it being unregistered by the authorities.

His detention comes as activists warn of an increasing climate of repression, with political opponents and journalists targeted in the run-up to the legislative elections on June 12.

Earlier this month, security forces arrested eight people they said were linked to the Hirak movement over an allegedly foreign-financed criminal association.

President Abdelmadjid Tebboune this month warned Hirak activists against "non-innocent activities" that "attempt to hinder the democratic process".

Authorities say the protest movement is being infiltrated by Islamist activists who are trying to drag it towards violence.

President Tebboune served as a prime minister under Bouteflika and won a presidential election in December 2019, in a poll that was boycotted by the protest movement. Official data put the turnout at less than 40 per cent.

In further moves dismissed by the protest movement as window dressing, Tebboune oversaw a constitutional referendum late last year and brought the legislative elections forward, in a bid to soothe the political and socio-economic crisis.

"This election does not concern us," activist Tabbou told AFP.

"The regime mobilised colossal resources to hold a false presidential election, a false referendum -- and now it organises false legislative elections," he said.

Ordinary Algerians were fed up, he said. "We see the country as a barracks".

A leading Algerian opposition activist has been detained and is to appear before prosecutors on Thursday, his lawyer said, weeks ahead of elections he and other opponents have pledged to boycott.

A leading Algerian opposition activist has been detained and is to appear before prosecutors on Thursday, his lawyer said, weeks ahead of elections he and other opponents have pledged to boycott. Karim Tabbou, a key figure in demonstrations that forced longtime president Abdelaziz Bouteflika to resign in 2019, was handed a one-year suspended sentence last year for "undermining state security". His detention comes as the pro-democracy protest movement known as Hirak has sought to regain some of the momentum it lost when it suspended street rallies just over a year ago due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Tabbou was summoned to the police station on Wednesday evening to respond to a complaint filed against him by Bouzid Lazhari, the president of the National Council for Human Rights, an official body. The 47-year-old was to appear before a prosecutor on Thursday, lawyer Me Ali Fellah Benali said on social media. "Algeria's youth is determined to fight for their right to a dignified life," Tabbou told AFP ahead of his detention. He became one of the most recognisable leaders at mass demonstrations that broke out in February 2019. The Hirak protest movement was sparked in February 2019 over Bouteflika's bid for a fifth term in office. The ailing autocrat was forced to step down weeks later, but the Hirak has continued its demonstrations, demanding a sweeping overhaul of a ruling system in place since Algeria's independence from France in 1962. Since the group's second anniversary in February, thousands have returned to the streets, defying a coronavirus ban on gatherings. Ordinary Algerians 'fed up' Tabbou said his own party, the Democratic Social Union, was now "the largest political party" in the North African country, despite it being unregistered by the authorities. His detention comes as activists warn of an increasing climate of repression, with political opponents and journalists targeted in the run-up to the legislative elections on June 12. Earlier this month, security forces arrested eight people they said were linked to the Hirak movement over an allegedly foreign-financed criminal association. President Abdelmadjid Tebboune this month warned Hirak activists against "non-innocent activities" that "attempt to hinder the democratic process". Authorities say the protest movement is being infiltrated by Islamist activists who are trying to drag it towards violence. President Tebboune served as a prime minister under Bouteflika and won a presidential election in December 2019, in a poll that was boycotted by the protest movement. Official data put the turnout at less than 40 per cent. In further moves dismissed by the protest movement as window dressing, Tebboune oversaw a constitutional referendum late last year and brought the legislative elections forward, in a bid to soothe the political and socio-economic crisis. "This election does not concern us," activist Tabbou told AFP. "The regime mobilised colossal resources to hold a false presidential election, a false referendum -- and now it organises false legislative elections," he said. Ordinary Algerians were fed up, he said. "We see the country as a barracks".

Algeria detains leading opposition figure

President Emmanuel Macron has decided to face up France's colonial-era crimes. He has admitted that French troops murdered Algerian independence figure Ali Boumendjel.

France admits murder of freedom fighter Ali Boumendjel

The trial of a case pertaining to the 2014 kidnapping and beheading of a French mountaineer claimed by a jihadist faction affiliated to the Islamic State group opened before an Algiers court Thursday.

Just one of the alleged kidnappers of 55-year-old mountain guide instructor Herve Gourdel was in court for the trial -- the other seven are being tried in absentia.

Members of Gourdel's family, including his partner Francoise Grandclaude, were in the public gallery.

The main defendant Abdelmalek Hamzaoui was brought to court by ambulance in a wheelchair accompanied by a medical team and watched over by police special forces.

At the request of defence lawyers, the trial opening had been delayed for two weeks because of his ill health.

Hamzaoui could face the death penalty if convicted.

Six other defendants in court are accused of failing to inform authorities promptly of Gourdel's abduction.

Five were Gourdel's climbing companions and spent 14 hours in captivity along with him.

The sixth is accused of failing to promptly report the theft of his car by the kidnappers to transport the captive Frenchman.

All six face up to five years in prison if they are found guilty.

Gourdel's murder sparked outrage in both France and Algeria.

The adventure enthusiast had travelled to Algeria at the invitation of his climbing companions to try out a new climb.

His kidnappers from the Jund al-Khilafa (Soldiers of the Caliphate) group demanded an end to air strikes against the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria by a US-led coalition that included France.

Three days after abducting him, they released grisly video footage of his beheading.

Gourdel's body was not recovered until January the following year after an operation involving some 3,000 Algerian troops.

The trial of a case pertaining to the 2014 kidnapping and beheading of a French mountaineer claimed by a jihadist faction affiliated to the Islamic State group opened before an Algiers court Thursday.

The trial of a case pertaining to the 2014 kidnapping and beheading of a French mountaineer claimed by a jihadist faction affiliated to the Islamic State group opened before an Algiers court Thursday. Just one of the alleged kidnappers of 55-year-old mountain guide instructor Herve Gourdel was in court for the trial -- the other seven are being tried in absentia. Members of Gourdel's family, including his partner Francoise Grandclaude, were in the public gallery. The main defendant Abdelmalek Hamzaoui was brought to court by ambulance in a wheelchair accompanied by a medical team and watched over by police special forces. At the request of defence lawyers, the trial opening had been delayed for two weeks because of his ill health. Hamzaoui could face the death penalty if convicted. Six other defendants in court are accused of failing to inform authorities promptly of Gourdel's abduction. Five were Gourdel's climbing companions and spent 14 hours in captivity along with him. The sixth is accused of failing to promptly report the theft of his car by the kidnappers to transport the captive Frenchman. All six face up to five years in prison if they are found guilty. Gourdel's murder sparked outrage in both France and Algeria. The adventure enthusiast had travelled to Algeria at the invitation of his climbing companions to try out a new climb. His kidnappers from the Jund al-Khilafa (Soldiers of the Caliphate) group demanded an end to air strikes against the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria by a US-led coalition that included France. Three days after abducting him, they released grisly video footage of his beheading. Gourdel's body was not recovered until January the following year after an operation involving some 3,000 Algerian troops.

Trial opens in Algeria jihadist beheading of French mountaineer

Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune flew back to Germany on Sunday for treatment in hospital for complications in his foot resulting from a coronavirus infection, the presidency said. 
 
Tebboune, 75, had returned home two weeks ago from Germany after two months of treatment for COVID-19. 
 
The treatment "was not medically urgent" and should have taken place during Tebboune`s last stay in Germany, the presidency said in a statement. 
 
Tebboune postponed the treatment at the time because of some obligations that prompted him to return home on Dec. 29, it said. 
 
Late in December, Tebboune signed this year`s budget into law, along with a decree paving the way for an amendment to the constitution. 
 
Speaking to state television near the capital, Algiers, Tebboune said he might undergo surgery on his foot. 
 
"There may be a minor surgery. My return to Germany was previously plannned. The period of my absence from the country will be short, God willing," he said. "I will be following state issues with officials on a daily basis." 
 
Elected in December 2019 to succeed Abdelaziz Bouteflika, who resigned last year after mass protests, Tebboune has promised to carry out political and economic reforms.

Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune flew back to Germany on Sunday for treatment in hospital for complications in his foot resulting from a coronavirus infection, the presidency said.

Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune flew back to Germany on Sunday for treatment in hospital for complications in his foot resulting from a coronavirus infection, the presidency said. Tebboune, 75, had returned home two weeks ago from Germany after two months of treatment for COVID-19. The treatment "was not medically urgent" and should have taken place during Tebboune`s last stay in Germany, the presidency said in a statement. Tebboune postponed the treatment at the time because of some obligations that prompted him to return home on Dec. 29, it said. Late in December, Tebboune signed this year`s budget into law, along with a decree paving the way for an amendment to the constitution. Speaking to state television near the capital, Algiers, Tebboune said he might undergo surgery on his foot. "There may be a minor surgery. My return to Germany was previously plannned. The period of my absence from the country will be short, God willing," he said. "I will be following state issues with officials on a daily basis." Elected in December 2019 to succeed Abdelaziz Bouteflika, who resigned last year after mass protests, Tebboune has promised to carry out political and economic reforms.

Algerian president returns to Germany to be treated for COVID-19 complications

Algeria's President Abdelmadjid Tebboune said Sunday he was recovering from the Covid-19 illness, in his first televised appearance since he was hospitalised in Germany almost two months ago.&nbsp;

"Thanks to God... I have started on the road to recovery," the 75-year-old said a day after the first anniversary of his election.&nbsp;

"It may take two or three weeks but, God willing, I will recover all my bodily strength."

The video was broadcast on state television and published on Tebboune's Twitter feed.

He did not indicate his location, but his Twitter feed indicated that he was outside Algeria.

Tebboune, a heavy smoker, was hospitalised in Germany on October 28, and Algerian authorities later announced that he had the Covid-19 illness.&nbsp;

His absence had sparked concerns of an institutional crisis, weeks after voters approved a revised constitution on record low turnout in a referendum widely seen as a manoeuvre to neutralise the long-running Hirak protest movement.

Tebboune has been unable to sign the revised constitution into law because he must be on Algerian soil to do so.

He also has until December 31 to sign off on a 2021 budget.

But he said Sunday he was following developments in Algeria "day by day, if not hour by hour", and noted progress in cutting the country's daily toll of coronavirus infections.

Visibly thinner than before and wearing a casual jacket, he sat at a desk next to an Algerian flag.&nbsp;

Economic woes

Tebboune won last year's widely boycotted December 12 presidential election, following months of mass protests that had swept his predecessor Abdelaziz Bouteflika from office.

Tebboune's prolonged disappearance had reminded many Algerians of Bouteflika's frequent hospitalisations abroad.

Last month's constitutional referendum, timed to coincide with Algeria's 1962 independence from France, had been seen as a bid to boost Tebboune's legitimacy.

But with the president overseas and the Hirak urging a boycott, the vote saw even lower turnout than the election that brought Tebboune to power.

His absence came as Algeria faces a sharp recession due to the coronavirus pandemic and a gaping budget deficit due to low crude prices that have slashed the country's vital oil revenues.

Tebboune has promised to fight for a "strong and diversified" economy and work to wean the country off oil.

He vowed Sunday that "no citizen on a low income will be hit by new taxes."

Tebboune has also reached out to the "blessed" Hirak, which staged over a year of mass protests until it was forced to suspend them amid coronavirus restrictions earlier this year.

But his administration has overseen a crackdown on dissent.&nbsp;

Prisoners' rights group the CNLD says around 90 activists, social media users and journalists are currently in custody, mostly for social media posts.

"Tebboune could have created legitimacy, launching large projects of political, economic and institutional renewal," Charef said.&nbsp;

"But he has not been able to, or has not known how."

Algeria's President Abdelmadjid Tebboune said Sunday he was recovering from the Covid-19 illness, in his first televised appearance since he was hospitalised in Germany almost two months ago.

Algeria's President Abdelmadjid Tebboune said Sunday he was recovering from the Covid-19 illness, in his first televised appearance since he was hospitalised in Germany almost two months ago. "Thanks to God... I have started on the road to recovery," the 75-year-old said a day after the first anniversary of his election. "It may take two or three weeks but, God willing, I will recover all my bodily strength." The video was broadcast on state television and published on Tebboune's Twitter feed. He did not indicate his location, but his Twitter feed indicated that he was outside Algeria. Tebboune, a heavy smoker, was hospitalised in Germany on October 28, and Algerian authorities later announced that he had the Covid-19 illness. His absence had sparked concerns of an institutional crisis, weeks after voters approved a revised constitution on record low turnout in a referendum widely seen as a manoeuvre to neutralise the long-running Hirak protest movement. Tebboune has been unable to sign the revised constitution into law because he must be on Algerian soil to do so. He also has until December 31 to sign off on a 2021 budget. But he said Sunday he was following developments in Algeria "day by day, if not hour by hour", and noted progress in cutting the country's daily toll of coronavirus infections. Visibly thinner than before and wearing a casual jacket, he sat at a desk next to an Algerian flag. Economic woes Tebboune won last year's widely boycotted December 12 presidential election, following months of mass protests that had swept his predecessor Abdelaziz Bouteflika from office. Tebboune's prolonged disappearance had reminded many Algerians of Bouteflika's frequent hospitalisations abroad. Last month's constitutional referendum, timed to coincide with Algeria's 1962 independence from France, had been seen as a bid to boost Tebboune's legitimacy. But with the president overseas and the Hirak urging a boycott, the vote saw even lower turnout than the election that brought Tebboune to power. His absence came as Algeria faces a sharp recession due to the coronavirus pandemic and a gaping budget deficit due to low crude prices that have slashed the country's vital oil revenues. Tebboune has promised to fight for a "strong and diversified" economy and work to wean the country off oil. He vowed Sunday that "no citizen on a low income will be hit by new taxes." Tebboune has also reached out to the "blessed" Hirak, which staged over a year of mass protests until it was forced to suspend them amid coronavirus restrictions earlier this year. But his administration has overseen a crackdown on dissent. Prisoners' rights group the CNLD says around 90 activists, social media users and journalists are currently in custody, mostly for social media posts. "Tebboune could have created legitimacy, launching large projects of political, economic and institutional renewal," Charef said. "But he has not been able to, or has not known how."

Algeria president in first TV appearance in almost two months

Algerians voted on Sunday on whether to approve a revised constitution that imposes term limits, promises new freedoms, and is aimed at answering demands from pro-democracy protesters who pushed out their long-serving, autocratic president last year.

With the "yes" camp almost certain to win, the only real question was how many would take part in a poll also seen as a bid to bolster Bouteflika's successor Abdelmadjid Tebboune, currently hospitalised overseas.

The turnout hit a record low, however, as opponents of the amended constitution called for a boycott after they were barred from campaign venues or from expressing their views on public television or radio. The referendum took place symbolically on the 68th anniversary of the beginning of Algeria's war for independence from France.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/war-children-of-harkis-relatives-seek-burial-for-franco-algerian-war-victims-330071/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Pro-democracy activists say the revised charter does not go far enough to open up politics to a new generation of leaders. Islamist parties say it does not do enough to promote Islam and the Arabic language, and oppose a measure on religious freedom.

The Hirak protest movement had called for a boycott, dismissing the revised text as a "change of facade".

The youth-led movement launched vast demonstrations in early 2019 and kept them up for more than a year until the coronavirus pandemic forced their suspension.

Meanwhile, the man who pushed for the referendum, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, is hospitalised in Germany after several people in his administration showed symptoms of the virus. The 74-year-old's exact ailment and whereabouts are unclear, though a presidential adviser said on Sunday that Tebboune was "in good health" and continuing to undergo medical examinations.

But observers have pointed out that the draft keeps key powers and appointments in the hands of the president.

If passed, it will be "the most authoritarian constitution in the entire Mediterranean", said constitutional researcher Massensen Cherbi of Sciences Po university in Paris.

For many Algerians, the most dramatic proposed constitutional change would allow the Algerian military to intervene abroad, in the United Nations or the African Union peacekeeping operations, a major departure from the current doctrine of non-interference. 
The military has long played a key role in Algeria, and military chief Gen. Said Bengriha has campaigned around the country for a "yes" vote.

The revision of the constitution was among the promises the president made when he was elected in December. It limits presidents and parliament members to two terms, makes it easier to create political parties, and hands some presidential powers to the prime minister, among other changes.

During a final campaign rally on Wednesday, Prime Minister Abdelaziz Djerrad said the amendments would "make it possible to definitively turn the page on the old practices of management of public affairs, with the emergence of new institutions and new methods of exercising responsibilities based on democracy, competence, transparency".

He insisted that it "reflects the major demands" of the Hirak protest movement, and will give young people and non-governmental actors more of a say in Algerian policies.

Hirak activists and their supporters, who want a wholesale overhaul of Algeria's leadership, see the referendum as an effort to look progressive while leaving the overall power structure in place.

Algerians voted on Sunday on whether to approve a revised constitution that imposes term limits, promises new freedoms, and is aimed at answering demands from pro-democracy protesters who pushed out their long-serving, autocratic president last year.

Algerians voted on Sunday on whether to approve a revised constitution that imposes term limits, promises new freedoms, and is aimed at answering demands from pro-democracy protesters who pushed out their long-serving, autocratic president last year. With the "yes" camp almost certain to win, the only real question was how many would take part in a poll also seen as a bid to bolster Bouteflika's successor Abdelmadjid Tebboune, currently hospitalised overseas. The turnout hit a record low, however, as opponents of the amended constitution called for a boycott after they were barred from campaign venues or from expressing their views on public television or radio. The referendum took place symbolically on the 68th anniversary of the beginning of Algeria's war for independence from France. Pro-democracy activists say the revised charter does not go far enough to open up politics to a new generation of leaders. Islamist parties say it does not do enough to promote Islam and the Arabic language, and oppose a measure on religious freedom. The Hirak protest movement had called for a boycott, dismissing the revised text as a "change of facade". The youth-led movement launched vast demonstrations in early 2019 and kept them up for more than a year until the coronavirus pandemic forced their suspension. Meanwhile, the man who pushed for the referendum, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, is hospitalised in Germany after several people in his administration showed symptoms of the virus. The 74-year-old's exact ailment and whereabouts are unclear, though a presidential adviser said on Sunday that Tebboune was "in good health" and continuing to undergo medical examinations. But observers have pointed out that the draft keeps key powers and appointments in the hands of the president. If passed, it will be "the most authoritarian constitution in the entire Mediterranean", said constitutional researcher Massensen Cherbi of Sciences Po university in Paris. For many Algerians, the most dramatic proposed constitutional change would allow the Algerian military to intervene abroad, in the United Nations or the African Union peacekeeping operations, a major departure from the current doctrine of non-interference. The military has long played a key role in Algeria, and military chief Gen. Said Bengriha has campaigned around the country for a "yes" vote. The revision of the constitution was among the promises the president made when he was elected in December. It limits presidents and parliament members to two terms, makes it easier to create political parties, and hands some presidential powers to the prime minister, among other changes. During a final campaign rally on Wednesday, Prime Minister Abdelaziz Djerrad said the amendments would "make it possible to definitively turn the page on the old practices of management of public affairs, with the emergence of new institutions and new methods of exercising responsibilities based on democracy, competence, transparency". He insisted that it "reflects the major demands" of the Hirak protest movement, and will give young people and non-governmental actors more of a say in Algerian policies. Hirak activists and their supporters, who want a wholesale overhaul of Algeria's leadership, see the referendum as an effort to look progressive while leaving the overall power structure in place.

Algeria votes on new constitution amid opposition boycott

It has been almost 60 years since Algeria got it's independence from it's former Colonial ruler. But, it has been a long journey for the relatives who lost someone they loved as children. Watch the report

War children of Harkis: Relatives seek burial for Franco-Algerian war victims

Nearly 60 years ago, a number of babies, toddlers and children died during their spell in a 'Harki' camp run by the French army in the south of the country. Sixty years on, relatives seek decent funerals for child victims of French 'Harki' camps.

Fineprint: Relatives seek decent funerals for child victims of French 'Harki' camps

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