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Algeria Gate: More than 70 participants and teams from dozens of countries are expected to attend the first edition of the International Kite and Hot Air Balloon Festival, scheduled to take place from October 28 to November 2 in the Red Oasis of Timimoun.

The unprecedented event, the first of its kind in Algeria, has already generated considerable excitement among enthusiasts of tourism, adventure and thrilling experiences.

As part of efforts to promote Algeria as a tourist destination and boost Saharan tourism, the spotlight is turning to the captivating city of Timimoun, which is preparing to offer visitors a spectacular experience.

Major international participation

According to the festival’s general commissioner, Mourad Benhalima, the event will welcome foreign delegations presenting giant kites representing 20 countries, alongside hot air balloon teams from 30 countries.

More than 70 participants and competitors are expected to take to the Saharan skies, supported by an experienced organizing team tasked with ensuring the smooth running of the festivities.

The event aims to introduce visitors to air sports and recreational activities while showcasing the region’s tourism and cultural assets, including its ksour, traditional crafts, folklore and centuries-old traditions.

Yamina Temam, director of tourism and handicrafts for Timimoun Province, welcomed the initiative, noting that it aligns with the sector’s strategic objectives.

She highlighted its direct impact on the local economy, particularly through revitalizing the hotel industry, handicrafts and local businesses.

A packed programme between the sky and the desert

Organizers have promised visitors an immersive experience through a rich and varied six-day programme.

On the opening day, following the participants’ arrival, the event will begin with the presentation of a hot air balloon bearing the colours of the Algerian national flag, followed by a musical evening featuring local folklore.

The following morning, at sunrise, visitors will be able to watch the first launches of hot air balloons and giant kites. The day will also feature a kite-making workshop involving students and local associations.

In the evening, visitors will enjoy a visual spectacle known as the “night glow,” during which illuminated hot air balloons will be displayed on the ground.

The morning of October 30 will be dedicated to hot air balloon flights at sunrise, supervised by licensed pilots and organized in collaboration with travel agencies.

Air sports demonstrations will also be held in partnership with the Algerian Federation of Air Sports. The day will conclude with dinner in the heart of the desert and an overnight stay in a tented camp.

On October 31, participants will embark on a 4×4 excursion across the dunes, followed by a barbecue, another hot air balloon launch and the afternoon opening of the official kite-flying competition.

As the festival coincides with the celebrations marking November 1, the commemorative day will feature morning balloon flights and a spectacular closing ceremony combining fireworks with illuminated hot air balloons rising into the starry sky.

Strong tourism interest

On the ground, the event is generating considerable enthusiasm. Travel agencies are reporting strong demand, with 4×4 excursions and accommodation packages already fully booked for the period.

Alongside the aerial demonstrations, guided tours are planned to allow Algerian and international tourists to explore the region.

Through this gathering, the organizers hope to establish Timimoun as a leading international destination for hot air ballooning during every Saharan tourism season.

Algeria Gate: Algeria is preparing for an exceptional parliamentary development on Sunday, as the Council of the Nation and the People’s National Assembly, the two chambers of the Algerian Parliament, are expected to hold separate extraordinary sessions to vote on a presidential order concerning national defence.
According to sources cited by Algeria Gate, the order concerns the approval of a decision to deploy units of the People’s National Army outside the country’s borders as part of military cooperation with the Republic of Niger.
The bureau of the People’s National Assembly has already held a meeting, while the bureau of the Council of the Nation is expected to meet in the coming hours to finalise the organisational arrangements for the two sessions.

Extraordinary parliamentary sessions scheduled

According to Algeria Gate’s sources, members of the Council of the Nation and deputies of the People’s National Assembly received official notifications by text message. The brief messages specified the times of the sessions without disclosing details of the agenda.
The Council of the Nation is scheduled to convene at 10 a.m., while members of the People’s National Assembly are expected to meet later the same day. The two chambers will hold separate sessions rather than a joint meeting.
The discussions are expected to focus on a presidential order concerning national defence, aimed at implementing the second paragraph of Article 91 of the Constitution. This provision allows the President of the Republic, as Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and responsible for national defence, to deploy units of the People’s National Army beyond Algeria’s national borders, subject to approval by a two-thirds majority of the members of each parliamentary chamber.

Algeria and Niger strengthen military cooperation

The anticipated parliamentary sessions come amid an unprecedented rapprochement between Algeria and Niger in the military and security fields, particularly following the visit to Algeria by Niger’s Minister of State for National Defence, Salifou Modi, who met with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune.
During the visit, Salifou Modi and Chief of Staff of the People’s National Army, General Saïd Chanegriha, signed a military cooperation protocol aimed at strengthening coordination between the two countries.
The agreement focuses in particular on securing their shared borders, combating terrorism and exchanging military expertise. It also seeks to address Nigerien authorities’ needs in developing their army’s operational capabilities.

Tebboune confirms deployment of fighter jets to Niger

In his most recent televised interview, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune confirmed that Algeria had sent fighter jets to Niger late last month at the request of Nigerien authorities, following an alleged coup attempt in the capital, Niamey.
Tebboune said the aircraft were dispatched because certain parties had gone too far. He explained that Niger’s Prime Minister, Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine, had visited Algeria and returned to his country during the night, before a coup attempt took place.
“The matter is clear. This is a provocation against us. I will also send aircraft. Fine, let’s face each other head-on — an eye for an eye,” Tebboune said.
On August 30, the Algerian Ministry of National Defence announced the deployment of four Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jets to Niamey to support the Nigerien army following developments in the country.
Nigerien Defence Minister Salifou Modi had previously stated that a group of military personnel attempted, during the night of August 28–29, to detain several of their colleagues inside Air Base 101 in Niamey. The group also opened fire on strategic locations in the capital.

Shared security concerns

Algeria and Niger maintain close military and security ties and share an extensive land border. Algeria considers stability in the Sahel a key component of its national security.
Nigerien Prime Minister Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine visited Algeria on August 26 and 27, leading a high-level ministerial delegation. The working visit aimed to strengthen bilateral cooperation and included a meeting with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune.

Algeria Gate: Algerian Interior Minister Brahim Merad has warned that Algeria is being targeted by attempts to transfer problems currently affecting France to the North African country, calling for increased vigilance.

“Algeria is targeted, and everyone knows that, they want to export their iternal problems in France to us, which is why we must be vigilant,” Merad said.

The minister’s remarks highlighted concerns over the potential spillover of France’s domestic challenges into Algeria, stressing the need for vigilance in safeguarding the country’s stability.

His statement comes amid ongoing tensions between Algeria and France, whose bilateral relations have faced difficulties in recent years. However, the minister’s remarks did not specify which problems he was referring to or identify those allegedly seeking to transfer them to Algeria.