Electrical spark from air conditioner caused Mohammadia orphanage fire, killing 11
via Algérie3603 min read
An electrical spark from an air conditioner is believed to be the cause of a fire at the Mohammadia assisted children's establishment in Algiers on July 16, 2026, which resulted in 11 deaths, including 10 children and a 52-year-old educator. The General Directorate of National Security DGSN stated that specialized teams opened an investigation immediately after the incident. Initial findings from scientific police experts and crime scene technicians indicate the fire originated from an electrical spark in an air conditioner located in a first-floor room. The National Security clarified that the spark was linked to the continuous operation of the appliance amid high temperatures. The investigation remains open to determine all circumstances and establish any responsibilities. Following the fire, the Ministry of National Solidarity, Family and Women's Affairs, led by Minister Soraya Mouloudji, held an emergency meeting. Measures include monitoring the care of the injured, relocating children to alternative facilities, establishing a national risk monitoring and management unit, harmonizing safety standards in sector establishments, and strengthening staff training in prevention and emergency response in coordination with Civil Protection. A centralized digital mechanism will also be implemented to track safety measure application. The minister praised the efforts of the establishment's staff and on-duty team for protecting children during the fire.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Algérie360.
Must ReadSpanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is scheduled to visit Algeria next week, accompanied by representatives from four major Spanish energy groups: Naturgy, Repsol, Enagás, and Moeve. This delegation highlights the importance of natural gas in the relationship between the two countries, and also signals a new focus on low-carbon energies and green hydrogen. The visit follows a period of diplomatic tension that began in 2022 after Spain's shift in stance on Western Sahara, leading to the recall of the Algerian ambassador and a freeze in trade. Despite the diplomatic challenges, Algerian natural gas continued to flow to Spain via the Medgaz pipeline, sustained by long-term contracts. This energy pragmatism paved the way for normalization, with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune referring to Spain as a "friendly country" in February 2025. The accompanying companies reflect the breadth of economic ties. Naturgy has a historical relationship with Sonatrach, which holds a stake in the Spanish company. Repsol collaborates with Sonatrach on hydrocarbon exploration and production. Enagás is a partner in Medgaz, which transports Algerian gas to Spain. Moeve, formerly Cepsa, represents the future-oriented aspect of cooperation, focusing on sustainable fuels, low-carbon molecules, and green hydrogen. The presence of Moeve in the delegation underscores the potential for green hydrogen to become a new area of energy cooperation. Algeria's abundant sunshine, vast land, and strategic lo
The Algerian Football Federation has confirmed that Vladimir Petkovic will remain as the national team coach until his contract ends in July 2028. A technical commission, led by former national coach Rabah Saâdane, evaluated Petkovic's performance and concluded that he not only met but exceeded the objectives of his initial contract, according to El-Khabar. These objectives included reaching the Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinals and advancing past the first round of the World Cup. The commission noted that the team progressed to the second round of the 2026 World Cup and delivered strong performances in preparation matches against Guatemala, Uruguay, and the Netherlands. Despite this, a significant reshuffle of the coaching staff is underway. The commission recommended the dismissal of Swiss assistant Davide Morandi and Algerian coach Nabil Neghiz. Morandi's contract had been extended alongside Petkovic's, but his public statements about the Swiss national team, made without FAF authorization, violated his contract and led to disciplinary proceedings. Goalkeeping coaches Guido Nanni and Nasser-Eddine Berrama, along with physical trainer Paolo Rongoni, will retain their positions. Anthar Yahia, former captain of the national team, has been appointed as the first assistant coach, while Karim Matmour and Rafik Saïfi are candidates for the second assistant role. Petkovic, currently on vacation, is expected to return to Algeria in early August, when the FAF will officially infor
A study published on July 9, 2026, by the Observatory of Immigration and Demography OID, utilizing 2022 INSEE census micro-data, reveals significant disparities in economic integration among different nationalities in France. The study focuses on individuals over 15 years old, excluding students and retirees, to fairly assess professional integration. Algerians are among the nationalities with the lowest employment rates, ranking sixth with 54.4%. They are slightly ahead of Turks 53.1%, Russians 52.6%, Pakistanis 51.8%, Haitians 51.5%, and Comorians 50.8%. Other nationalities with low employment rates include Serbs 56.9%, Moroccans 57.5%, Guineans 57.7%, and Tunisians 60.2%. In contrast, Portuguese natives show the highest integration with an 81.7% employment rate, followed by native-born French citizens at 79.6%. This top tier is largely dominated by Western European countries, including Switzerland 78.7%, Germany 77.6%, and the United Kingdom 76.5%, with Canada 75.5% and Lebanon 73.1% also featuring. The OID study indicates that employment disparities for foreign-born individuals persist throughout their lives. For those aged 25-54, the employment rate gap between North African natives 60-65% and native-born French citizens 85% doubles to 21 points. Gender disparities also play a role, with a 27-point employment rate gap between North African men and women at age 40, and a 40-point gap between native-born French women and Turkish-born women. Naturalization significantly imp