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ALGIERS – May 3, 2026 — In a significant move highlighting Algeria’s commitment to infrastructure development and economic diversification, the 28th edition of the International Exhibition of Construction, Building Materials, and Public Works (BATIMATEC) officially opened today at the Palais des Expositions (SAFEX).

The inauguration ceremony was presided over by the Minister of Housing, Urban Planning, and the City, Mr. Mohamed Tarek Belaribi, with the notable participation of the Minister of Foreign Trade and Export Promotion, Professor Kamel Rezig.

The event saw a high-level attendance reflecting the multisectoral importance of the construction industry in Algeria’s current economic roadmap. Key figures in attendance included:

Members of the Government and senior officials.

The President of the National Economic, Social, and Environmental Council (CNESE).

The Director General of the Algerian Investment Promotion Agency (AAPI).

Members of the diplomatic corps accredited to Algiers.

BATIMATEC remains the premier professional platform in the region, serving as a vital nexus for exchanging expertise and showcasing cutting-edge innovations. This year’s edition is particularly distinguished by its scale and diversity, featuring a robust mix of public and private national enterprises.

Algeria’s strategic position as a burgeoning market is underscored by the participation of exhibitors from approximately 15 countries, including industrial leaders such as China, Turkey, Italy, Spain, and Portugal.

In a push toward modernizing the sector, the 2026 edition has dedicated significant space to the future of the industry, hosting 40 tech start-ups. These emerging companies are presenting innovative solutions in green building, smart infrastructure, and advanced public works technologies.

ALGIERS – Acting on direct orders from the Moroccan “Makhzen” regime, Morocco’s Ambassador to France, Samira Sitail, continues to implement a hidden agenda in desperate attempts to tarnish Algeria’s international image. The most recent incident involved a group of Moroccan agitators tasked with disrupting the Algerian pavilion at the 2026 Paris Fair.

Moroccan Agitators Target Algerian Pavilion at Paris Fair; Clashes Erupt#Morocco https://t.co/H99sqwNRSK

— Algeria Gate -English (@algatedzEng) May 2, 2026

During a showcase of traditional Algerian attire—which includes heritage internationally recognized by UNESCO—Moroccan individuals carried provocative banners to disturb the event. The atmosphere became highly charged and nearly escalated into physical clashes before security intervened. Despite the provocations targeting their cultural symbols, Algerian participants maintained their composure, and the agitators were ultimately expelled from the pavilion.

The appointment of Sitail—a former journalist with no prior diplomatic or political experience—comes as the Moroccan lobby’s influence in French public opinion and decision-making circles wanes in the face of Algeria’s growing presence. This shift is attributed to the “new dynamism” of Algerian diplomacy and a new generation of diplomats who have altered the political equation in France and across Europe.

Upon taking office, Sitail’s first major move was convening an extraordinary meeting with all 17 Moroccan Consuls General in France, along with heads of Moroccan religious, sports, and cultural associations. The meeting was notably attended by André Azoulay, advisor to King Mohammed VI and a key figure in the Moroccan lobby. Sources from Algeria Gate revealed that the primary objective was establishing a roadmap to rebuild influence and break Rabat’s isolation following the “Morocco-gate” scandal in Europe.

Ambassador Sitail, who holds dual Moroccan-French citizenship, reportedly instructed the Moroccan lobby to:

Launch public relations campaigns with influential French figures in finance and media to improve the Kingdom’s image.

Monitor and track the activities of Algerian associations operating in France.

Encourage Moroccan consuls to mobilize the diaspora and organize demonstrations in support of Morocco’s “territorial integrity” as a counter to Pro-Polisario rallies in Paris and Marseille.

Leverage networks to influence French politicians, local officials, artists, and celebrities to serve the Kingdom’s policies, particularly regarding the Western Sahara conflict and strained relations with Algeria.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced on Saturday the appointment of match officials for the two-legged final of the CAF Confederation Cup between USM Alger and Egypt’s Zamalek SC, scheduled for May 9 and 16.

The CAF Referees Committee has assigned the first leg, set for May 9 at the 5 July 1962 Stadium in Algiers (20:00), to Mauritanian international referee Dahane Beida. He will be assisted by:

First Assistant: Gerson Emiliano dos Santos (Angola)

Second Assistant: Elvis Guy Noupue Nguegoue (Cameroon)

Fourth Official: Abdel Aziz Bouh (Mauritania)

The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) booth will be managed by Daniel Laryea (Ghana), assisted by Beida Dahane (Mauritania) and Stephen Yiembe (Kenya).

The return leg, scheduled for May 16 at Cairo International Stadium, will be officiated by Gabonese referee Pierre Atcho, assisted by:

First Assistant: Boris Marlaise Ditsoga (Gabon)

Second Assistant: Amos Ndong (Gabon)

Fourth Official: Patrice Tanguy Mebiame (Gabon)

Tunisian referee Haythem Guirat will lead the VAR team for the second leg, assisted by Maria Rivet and Carine Atezambong Fomo.

USM Alger secured their spot in the final after overcoming Olympic Safi (0-0, 1-1), while Zamalek reached the final stage at the expense of CR Belouizdad (0-1, 0-0).