The Emperor’s New Clothes: Algeria Under Tebboune, a Reality Check
French newspaper Le Monde recently published a scathing analysis of Algeria under the rule of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, a leader handpicked by the military. The article, titled “Tebboune praises his record in a repressed country,” starkly contrasts the government’s narrative of progress with the grim reality faced by many Algerians.
Tebboune came to power in the wake of the Hirak protest movement, a groundswell of hope for democratic change. However, he quickly turned on the movement, unleashing a wave of repression against dissent and activists. Despite this, Tebboune continues to portray himself as Algeria’s savior.
Le Monde argues that this self-proclaimed savior narrative is a facade. The reality on the ground tells a different story, one of stifled dissent and a shrinking public space. The article highlights the Algerian government’s increasing crackdown on journalists, activists, and political opponents. For example, journalist Ihsane El Kadi, known for his critical reporting, was recently sentenced to five years in prison on charges widely seen as politically motivated. This case, along with numerous others, paints a chilling picture of shrinking press freedom and a government intolerant of criticism.
Furthermore, the article points to the Algerian government’s tight control over the media and the internet, effectively limiting freedom of expression and access to information. This control makes it difficult for ordinary citizens to voice their concerns and access unbiased news.
The situation in Algeria serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of democratic progress. While the Hirak movement ignited hopes for a more open and just society, the current reality under Tebboune’s rule suggests a regression to authoritarianism. The international community must hold the Algerian government accountable for its human rights record and demand an end to the crackdown on dissent.
The Algerian Mirage: Unmasking the Reality Under Tebboune’s Rule
French newspaper Le Monde recently published a scathing analysis of Algeria under the leadership of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, a leader handpicked by the military. The article paints a stark picture of the chasm between the government’s self-proclaimed achievements and the harsh realities faced by ordinary Algerians.
Tebboune ascended to power on the back of the Hirak protest movement, a grassroots uprising that ignited hopes for democratic reform and greater freedoms. However, the article argues that Tebboune quickly turned his back on the movement’s aspirations, ushering in an era of repression and silencing dissent.
This dissonance between rhetoric and reality is a recurring theme in Tebboune’s Algeria. While the government boasts of economic progress, many Algerians grapple with soaring living costs and limited opportunities. The World Bank estimates that Algeria’s unemployment rate in 2022 was 11.7%, with youth unemployment significantly higher. This economic hardship fuels a sense of disillusionment and frustration, particularly among the younger generation who were at the forefront of the Hirak movement.
Furthermore, Le Monde’s analysis highlights the shrinking space for free speech and political participation. Independent media outlets face routine harassment and censorship, while activists and journalists critical of the government risk arbitrary detention and prosecution. This crackdown on dissent has cast a long shadow over Algeria’s political landscape, stifling open dialogue and hindering progress towards a more democratic society.
The article serves as a stark reminder that true progress cannot be measured solely through government pronouncements or economic indicators. It necessitates a genuine commitment to human rights, democratic principles, and the aspirations of the people. Until then, the “New Algeria” promised by Tebboune risks remaining an elusive mirage.
