French Justice Minister Calls Algeria a “Pivotal Actor” in Regional Security Copy link

Analytical approaches are intensifying within regional research centers regarding the precise background and implications surrounding the recent tactical exercises conducted by the People’s National Army under the title “Covenant and Pride.” These maneuvers, personally supervised in the field by Army General Saïd Chanegriha, Chief of Staff of the People’s National Army, can no longer be classified as routine military drills. Instead, they have evolved into a substantial subject of strategic analysis, given their timing, scale, and the operational messages carefully embedded within them.
1 The Timing Factor: Readiness in a Turbulent Regional Environment
These intensified field operations come amid an exceptionally complex regional and international climate. An initial reading of the timing indicates that the Algerian military leadership is fully aware of the magnitude of geopolitical shifts unfolding across its borders. This volatile environment shifts the military priority from traditional defense to proactive readiness.

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1. Technical and Operational Assessment: The Features of a “Modern Army”
   The details of the maneuvers revealed a profound transformation in the Algerian Army’s field combat doctrine. This evolution can be analyzed through several key dimensions:
   Combined Arms Warfare:The field scenes demonstrated highly precise coordination and rapid responsiveness between ground forces, air units, and air defense systems, reflecting a level of command-and-control (C2) flexibility comparable to that of major military powers.

• Network-Centric Warfare & Intelligence Integration:*The extensive reliance on advanced drone systems for reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and real-time strike guidance illustrates that the General Staff has fully transitioned into the era of modern, interconnected warfare.
• Live Ammunition and Firepower Density: The deployment of strategic and precision weaponry under conditions simulating real combat scenarios reflects the leadership’s confidence in both its tactical stockpiles and the personnel’s ability to master complex military technologies.

1. The Strategic and Political Dimensions of the Maneuvers
   The significance of the “Covenant and Pride” exercises extends far beyond the purely military sphere, touching on several critical strategic dimensions:

• Regional Deterrence:* The maneuvers delivered a decisive message to both regional and international actors that any attempt to undermine Algeria’s strategic depth or destabilize its security environment would face an immediate and forceful response.
• The Domestic Front:*The exercises also reinforced the symbolic bond between the people and their military institution under the “Nation-Army” doctrine, while projecting reassurance and stability amid intensifying external propaganda campaigns.
• Doctrine of Loyalty to the Covenant:*Beyond the operational dimension, the maneuvers embodied the concept of “Covenant and Pride” as a doctrine rooted in the spirit of the November 1st Declaration, transforming the army’s role from a mere guardian of borders into a protector of Algeria’s strategic sovereignty.
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  Concluding Analysis: The Field Commander and the Construction of Strategic Prestige
  Ultimately, this analytical reading places Army General Saïd Chanegriha in the position of a commander who has succeeded in advancing the People’s National Army toward a stage of absolute deterrence professionalism. His personal presence amid the thunder of artillery and the roar of armored divisions conveyed a clear message to all adversaries: Algeria does not preserve peace through slogans, but imposes it through military strength and the readiness of its men. Consequently, “Covenant and Pride” represents a major turning point in the modern military history of the region.

Just 48 hours after French Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin’s visit to Algiers particularly the lengthy audience he was granted by the President of the Republic the circles of subversives and oligarchs who have fled to France have been thrown into a state of absolute panic.

•  The Aissiou family is experiencing a serious internal rift. It considers itself at the top of the list of individuals sought by President Tebboune.

To this extent, Tayeb Aissiou has already contacted his lawyer to draft a letter to the President of the Republic

•  Abdesslam Bouchouareb, the fugitive former Minister of Industry, saw his mother-in-law’s French visa application while she remains in Algeria rejected despite discreet pressure.

His daughters are speaking of preparations for their father’s departure toward Israel, considering France no longer safe.

•  Ghali Belekcir, a former National Gendarmerie officer, has asked his lawyers in Spain to inquire whether France has requested his arrest and extradition from the Spanish authorities. He is initially considering moving to Portugal.

•  As for Amir DZ and Hichem Aboud, they have contacted the Moroccan Embassy in Paris to arrange their exfiltration by Moroccan services to the Kingdom.

In a regional context marked by accelerating geopolitical shifts and evolving security challenges, the field visit carried out by General Saïd Chengriha, Minister Delegate to the Minister of National Defense and Chief of Staff of the People’s National Army, to the 5th Military Region takes on significance that extends beyond a routine military inspection. It reflects a broader framework of operational oversight and continuous evaluation of combat readiness within Algeria’s defense structure.

According to a statement from the Ministry of National Defense, the visit is part of ongoing field inspections aimed at monitoring the implementation of the 2025/2026 combat preparation program across all military regions. The visit began at the headquarters of the 5th Military Region in Constantine, where the Chief of Staff was received by Major General Noureddine Hambli, Commander of the region.

The program of the visit included a moment of tribute and reflection at the Martyr Hero Zighoud Youcef memorial, where General Chengriha laid a wreath and recited Fatiha in remembrance of the nation’s fallen heroes. This act reflects the symbolic continuity between the historical legacy of the Algerian revolution and the current doctrine of national defense.

He subsequently met with regional commanders and personnel, addressing them in a directive speech delivered to all units of the 5th Military Region via videoconference. In his remarks, he reaffirmed the determination of the People’s National Army to continue developing its military capabilities and strengthening its operational readiness, enabling it to fully accomplish its constitutional missions and safeguard national sovereignty and strategic interests.

He further emphasized that this objective depends on the strict and rigorous implementation of combat preparation programs, aimed at building a comprehensive defense system grounded in high-level readiness, operational discipline, and structural resilience.

From this perspective, the visit highlights the central role of field inspections in maintaining the effectiveness of the national defense apparatus. It underscores a doctrine based on sustained preparedness, continuous modernization, and institutional cohesion, ensuring that the armed forces remain capable of addressing evolving security environments.

The deployment of the military leadership to the 5th Military Region illustrates an ongoing process of strategic supervision and readiness enhancement. It reflects a defense posture oriented toward sustained preparedness, institutional discipline, and the consolidation of operational capabilities within a rapidly changing regional context.