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Algeria Gate: The sequence is unlikely to please those in France who view Algeria solely through the prism of authoritarianism. Invited on France Inter, Ségolène Royal refused to label the Algerian regime “authoritarian,” redirected the discussion toward French realities and called for a reset with Algiers.

Pressed repeatedly by journalist Benjamin Duhamel, she replied: “No, I cannot say that… It is up to the Algerian people to define themselves.” She acknowledged certain problems in Algeria but rejected a blanket characterisation, contrasting with much of the French media’s persistently negative framing.

Turning the mirror on France, she asked: “And France… what is France?” citing recent tensions around school protests and police interventions. France, she noted, also faces its own problems; it is difficult under those conditions to act as permanent judge of others.

On the cases of Boualem Sansal and French journalist Christophe Gleizes, she maintained her refusal to describe the regime as authoritarian and criticised the detention of an Algerian consular agent by France as unwise. Challenging the systematically negative image of Algeria, she asked whether the Pope would have visited the country if it were as portrayed, and whether the violence seen in the streets of Paris itself is not “barbaric.”

Beyond the controversy, Royal advocated a pragmatic approach: restoring diplomatic relations would be “intelligent,” particularly to strengthen energy cooperation and allow France access to Algerian gas. She also highlighted green hydrogen and urged Europeans to work more closely with their Maghreb neighbours and Africa more broadly; a discourse that stands in clear contrast to the moralising tone of certain French commentators.

Algeria Gate: The remains of the late Boualem Boualem, former Director of the Cabinet of the Presidency of the Republic, arrived at Algiers international airport.

President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and several senior state officials were present in the airport’s VIP lounge to receive the body. The Head of State paid his respects before the coffin and offered his condolences to the family, in tribute to a man who held major responsibilities within the Presidency.

The ceremony took place in an atmosphere of solemnity, with high-ranking officials gathering to pay a final homage to the deceased.

Algeria Gate: Algeria will host the 14th edition of NAPEC, the leading energy and hydrogen exhibition and conference for Africa and the Mediterranean, from 5 to 7 October 2026 in Oran.

The official opening will be chaired by State Minister, and Minister of Hydrocarbons Mohamed Arkab at the Mohamed Ben Ahmed Convention Centre.

Under the theme of transforming the energy mix, the event will bring together more than 450 exhibitors and over 230 speakers from major oil and gas companies, technology firms, public bodies, research centres and universities.

Discussions will focus on energy security, natural gas, hydrogen, decarbonisation, renewable energies, digitalisation, artificial intelligence, investment opportunities and new technologies to boost production.

African and international officials are expected to attend alongside leaders from Sonatrach, ALNAFT and the Hydrocarbons Regulatory Authority.

On the sidelines, Minister Arkab will meet representatives of major national and international companies to explore new partnership and investment opportunities.

Through NAPEC 2026, Algeria aims to strengthen its position as a reliable energy player and a strategic platform linking Africa, the Mediterranean and Europe, while accelerating investment, innovation and the shift toward a more diversified energy system.