Algerian government considers national fact-checking system to combat fake news
via Algérie3602 min read
The Algerian government, led by Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb, is exploring the establishment of a national fact-checking and monitoring system to address the spread of misinformation and fake news on social media platforms. This initiative aims to safeguard the integrity of digital content and rebuild public trust in the online media landscape. The decision was made during a government meeting that also included a minute of silence for victims of recent forest fires. Other topics discussed during the session included economic sovereignty, modernization of public services, and national infrastructure consolidation. The government also reviewed a draft executive decree for regulating public port areas and equipment concessions, aligning with presidential directives to improve port governance, optimize maritime space, reduce ship waiting times, and accelerate unloading. Additionally, the telecommunications sector was addressed, with the government examining texts for renewing 2G/GSM cellular network operating licenses for ATM Mobilis and Optimum Télécom Algérie Djezzy in accordance with Law 18-04. An evaluation of the national accreditation, certification, and approval network was also conducted, utilizing the RELEAC laboratory network and its GEOLAB digital platform to strengthen national product protection, standardize compliance, and optimize analytical capabilities. The meeting concluded with an update on major infrastructure projects in health, public works, hydraulics, justi
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Djamel Touahria, Director General of Forests, stated on Algerian Radio's "Dayf Essabah" program that while major fires across Algeria have been brought under control by Civil Protection and forest brigades, the danger has not completely passed. Teams remain deployed for intensive cooling operations to prevent reignition. The rapid spread of fires this season is attributed to a combination of natural and human factors. A dense vegetation cover, resulting from significant winter rainfall, created easily flammable dry matter as temperatures rose. High temperatures further dried out forest areas, and strong winds accelerated the flames' progression, making interventions difficult. The presence of dry grasses also exacerbated the spread. Touahria emphasized that human activity, particularly negligent behavior such as unsupervised fires and lack of clearing around homes and roads, is the primary cause of most fire outbreaks. He also mentioned criminal acts and some natural causes. Specialized teams are conducting technical investigations to determine the precise origins of fires, using methods to locate ignition points and establish circumstances, which will inform prevention measures and target high-risk areas. For rehabilitation, Touahria explained that some plant species regenerate naturally, while others will require reforestation after damage assessment. Prevention efforts include maintaining forest tracks, creating firebreaks, and monitoring water supply points. Forest servic
German manufacturer MAN Truck & Bus has officially restarted production of commercial and heavy-duty vehicles in Algeria after several years of suspension. This resumption is part of the Algerian authorities' automotive industry restructuring. MAN is partnering with Maghreb Truck Company MTC, its exclusive representative and importer in the country since 2003, to reactivate its Blida factory. The facility will operate under a Completely Knocked Down CKD format, assembling vehicles from imported parts. Friedrich Baumann, MAN Truck & Bus board member for sales and customer solutions, stated that resuming CKD production in Algeria is a significant step in strengthening their international presence. The Blida assembly unit has been renovated with two modular assembly lines, allowing for a capacity of up to eight vehicles per day and an annual target of 1,500 units in the medium term. The facility can assemble truck chassis and buses. Initially, production will focus on MAN TGS models in 4x2, 6x4, and 8x4 configurations, primarily for long-distance transport. This return aligns with a period of economic revitalization in Algeria, marked by significant infrastructure projects, which drives demand for heavy transport equipment in the mining, industrial, logistics, and construction sectors. Nabil Salhi, CEO of Maghreb Truck Company, highlighted that this local presence helps meet the needs of Algerian professionals while maintaining the brand's quality standards. The project also inc
Must ReadThe Confederation of African Football CAF President Patrice Motsepe announced the expansion of the Africa Cup of Nations AFCON 2027 to 28 teams, up from 24 in the previous edition. This decision was made in Johannesburg, exactly one year before the tournament is set to kick off on June 19, 2027, in co-host nations Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. The qualification rounds are scheduled to begin in September, though the precise rules for allocating spots have not yet been released by CAF. It is anticipated that the top two teams from each qualification group will advance, along with the four best third-placed teams. The three host countries, Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, will automatically qualify. For the final tournament, a format of seven groups of four teams is expected, which would alter the knockout stage qualification. Instead of four best third-placed teams advancing, only the two best third-placed teams would proceed, alongside the top two from each group. This expansion comes amid logistical challenges for the host nations, with reports in February from The Guardian suggesting a potential postponement due to uncertainties in preparation, particularly in Kenya, which faces general elections in August 2027. Despite these concerns, Motsepe affirmed the tournament would proceed as planned. The Algerian team, the Fennecs, has been drawn into Group I for the qualifiers, facing Zambia, Togo, and Burundi, with their campaign starting on September 21 against Zambia.