Controversy Over Possible Change of Algerian Army’s ‘Doctrine’

Algerian troops conduct a search operation. (File photo: Reuters)
Algerian troops conduct a search operation. (File photo: Reuters)
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Controversy Over Possible Change of Algerian Army’s ‘Doctrine’

Algerian troops conduct a search operation. (File photo: Reuters)
Algerian troops conduct a search operation. (File photo: Reuters)

Algeria is expected to change the so-called “army doctrine” which bans it from taking part in any military operations abroad, even as part of peacekeeping efforts.

A number of observers said that this principle had remained “sacred” to civilian and military officials and a large segment of Algerians until a controversial draft amendment to the constitution was proposed to change the army’s role.

Last week, the Algerian presidency submitted the draft amendment to Article 29 of the constitution to lift the ban on the military’s involvement in missions abroad and sent it to parties, political figures, and civil society organizations for discussion.

Political analyst Ahsan al-Khalas told Asharq Al-Awsat that Algeria has an important geographical location in the Middle East and North Africa, and chairs the Peace and Security Council (PSC) of the African Union (AU), but has no important global economic role.

Khalas explained that Algeria previously worked on countering terrorism and violent extremism under former President Abdelaziz Bouteflika.

During his 20-year rule, Bouteflika had made profound changes in the military establishment, notably linking army intelligence to the presidency. However, in the last days of his rule, the intelligence went back to its affiliation to the army.

The analyst explained that the current, and former constitutions, did not prevent military interference, however, it was not explicitly authorized.

It seems that authorities want to constitutionally justify a new international role, according to the analyst.

Contrary to other observers, Khalas believes the issue is not related to the army’s fundamental principles, but rather establishing a new approach to Algeria’s international role.

Informed sources said President Abdelmadjid Tebboune is seeking to reformulate the army according to his own perception.

They confirmed that the latest proposed amendment comes against the backdrop of other changes made in the Defense Ministry’s senior positions in the past weeks.



UN Says ‘Deliberate’ Choices ‘Systematically’ Depriving Gazans

04 June 2025, Palestinian Territories, Nusirat: Displaced Palestinians gather in a charity kitchen to receive aid amid a shortage of food, in Nuseirat refugee camp. (Belal Abu Amer/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa)
04 June 2025, Palestinian Territories, Nusirat: Displaced Palestinians gather in a charity kitchen to receive aid amid a shortage of food, in Nuseirat refugee camp. (Belal Abu Amer/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa)
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UN Says ‘Deliberate’ Choices ‘Systematically’ Depriving Gazans

04 June 2025, Palestinian Territories, Nusirat: Displaced Palestinians gather in a charity kitchen to receive aid amid a shortage of food, in Nuseirat refugee camp. (Belal Abu Amer/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa)
04 June 2025, Palestinian Territories, Nusirat: Displaced Palestinians gather in a charity kitchen to receive aid amid a shortage of food, in Nuseirat refugee camp. (Belal Abu Amer/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa)

The UN aid chief said Wednesday that recent "horrifying scenes" of Gazans being killed while seeking food aid were the result of "deliberate choices that have systematically deprived" them of essentials to survive.

A US and Israeli-backed group operating aid sites in the Gaza Strip announced the temporary closure of its facilities on Wednesday, with the Israeli army warning that roads leading to distribution centers were "considered combat zones".

The announcement by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation follows a string of deadly incidents near the distribution sites it operates.

On Tuesday, 27 people were killed in southern Gaza when Israeli troops opened fire near a GHF aid site, with the military saying the incident was under investigation.

"The world is watching, day after day, horrifying scenes of Palestinians being shot, wounded or killed in Gaza while simply trying to eat," UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher said in a statement.

"Emergency medical teams have confirmed treating hundreds of trauma cases. Yesterday alone, dozens were declared dead at hospitals after Israeli forces said they had opened fire.

"This is the outcome of a series of deliberate choices that have systematically deprived two million people of the essentials they need to survive."

He echoed the call by UN chief Antonio Guterres for immediate independent investigations, saying they were not isolated incidents, and the perpetrators must be held accountable.

"No-one should have to risk their life to feed their children," said Fletcher.

The GHF began operations a week ago, but the UN and major aid groups have refused to cooperate with it over concerns it was designed to cater to Israeli military objectives.

Meanwhile the United Nations has described the amount of aid allowed into Gaza, after Israel partially lifted a more than two-month total blockade, as a trickle.

"We must be allowed to do our jobs: we have the teams, the plan, the supplies and the experience," said Fletcher, the UN under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief coordinator.

"Open the crossings -- all of them. Let in life-saving aid at scale, from all directions. Lift the restrictions on what and how much aid we can bring in.

"Ensure our convoys aren't held up by delays and denials. Release the hostages. Implement the ceasefire."