🇩🇿AlgeriaNorth Africa
China plans to expand Chinese language education in Algerian universities
via Algérie3602 min read
China intends to open new branches for teaching the Chinese language across Algeria, following the success of the Confucius Institute in Algiers. This initiative was discussed during a meeting between Kamel Baddari, the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and a high-level Chinese scientific delegation led by Wei Yong, president of the Chinese International Education Fund. The Chinese Ambassador to Algeria, Dong Guangli, was also present. Wei Yong expressed China's strong interest in establishing more Confucius Institute branches due to the current institute's success in teaching Chinese in Algeria. Minister Baddari used this opportunity to advocate for deeper bilateral cooperation, particularly in advanced sectors. He called for strategic partnerships between the five National Superior Schools of the "Chahid Abdelhafid Ihadaden" scientific and technological hub in Sidi Abdellah and leading Chinese universities. This expansion builds on the inauguration of the first Confucius Institute at the University of Algiers 2 "Abou Al Kacem Saâdallah" in September, which was attended by Ambassador Dong Guangli. This ceremony formalized a dynamic that began with the opening of a Chinese language department in the previous academic year. The Minister had previously highlighted that this structure would serve as a significant cultural and academic bridge to strengthen ties between universities in both nations, and the current interest in expanding the institute demonstrat
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Algérie360.
Four men have been detained in Constantine, Algeria, and charged with intentionally setting forest fires. The public prosecutor of Sidi M'hamed released a statement detailing three separate cases related to a wave of criminal fires that affected several provinces last weekend. The charges include acts of terrorism and intentional destruction of state forests, offenses punishable by the death penalty. In the first case, two individuals, "B.S.A" and "F.A," were accused of intentionally burning brush near the Sanaoubar neighborhood in Constantine, with video evidence showing them starting the fire. The second case involves "L.F," who was filmed setting fire to shrubs and trees along the Soummam road in Constantine. The third case concerns "B.S," who was caught burning two piles of copper cables against a highway wall, destroying two hectares of state forest. Following investigations by the Constantine wilaya security criminal brigade and the National Gendarmerie's research and investigation service, the four suspects were presented to an investigating magistrate and placed in provisional detention. They are accused of being part of an organized criminal network that committed terrorist and subversive acts endangering lives, security, and property, under articles 87 bis and 87 bis 1 of the penal code, as well as intentional burning of state forests under article 138 of the law on forests and forest resources. These arrests occur amid a national context of heightened fire activity
President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has signed a presidential decree granting a pardon to approximately 5,000 inmates who obtained diplomas during the 2025-2026 academic year. This pardon applies to prisoners who earned their Brevet d'Enseignement Moyen BEM, Baccalaureate, or completed a professional or artisanal training program, as announced by the Presidency of the Republic. This decision emphasizes intellectual effort as a path to reintegration into society. The measure is symbolic, recognizing and rewarding educational efforts made during incarceration, and aligns with a broader vision of rehabilitation where education plays a central role in preparing individuals for civilian life. This is not the first time the Presidency has used this mechanism; in March 2026, two decrees granted presidential pardons to over 5,600 individuals in common law cases, with specific eligibility conditions and exclusions. Presidential pardons have become a regularly activated mechanism under President Tebboune, used in various contexts, including a clemency measure in January 2026 for Algerians residing abroad in irregular situations, allowing them to regularize their status and return home. The case of French journalist Christophe Gleizes, whose judicial process was closed by the Supreme Court in June 2026, also highlighted the head of state's discretionary prerogatives regarding pardons. The decree for diploma-holding inmates is part of a consistent political approach where clemency is exercise
Must ReadFrench President Emmanuel Macron has publicly corrected his ambassador to Algeria, Stéphane Romatet, regarding statements about visa numbers for Algerians. Romatet had suggested a return to pre-crisis levels of 250,000 visas annually, which sparked a political and media outcry, particularly from the right-wing and National Rally parties in France, who denounced it as a "capitulation" to Algiers. Government spokesperson Maud Bregeon stated that Macron clarified France has no numerical visa targets and is not lenient. She emphasized that France is engaged in significant work with Algeria but without specific visa quotas. Bregeon also recalled that Macron, upon taking office in 2017, decided to reduce visa numbers from 500,000 annually to align with France's needs and geopolitical realities. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez stated that visa numbers were never discussed in his talks with Algeria. Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot responded to critics in the National Assembly, asserting that France's policy is based solely on national interest, not quotas, and noted a 20% drop in visas granted to Algerians in 2025 due to diplomatic tensions.