President Abdelmadjid Tebboune returned to Algeria on Tuesday and appeared on television after a two-month absence in Germany, where he received treatment for Covid-19.
Tebboune, 75, appeared in a better health condition compared to his last appearance, three weeks ago, according to footage broadcast after he arrived from Berlin.
He was greeted by several senior officials, including Prime Minister Abdelaziz Djerad and army chief of staff Said Chengriha.
The long absence of the head of state, who also serves the North African nation’s defense chief, recalled the lengthy periods during which his predecessor did not appear in public.
After suffering a stroke in 2013, former President Abdelaziz Bouteflika sought treatment in France and later went to Switzerland for numerous medical check-ups. There was lots of speculation and little official information about his whereabouts or condition.
“I passed through difficult moments. I am happy to be back, thanks God,” Tebboune said in a video broadcast on national public television..”
Speaking clearly, he said he needs “a few days” to finish recovering.
Tebboune was hospitalized in Germany on October 28, and Algerian authorities later announced that he had the Covid-19 illness.
Separately, the Algerian army has retrieved a "slice of the ransom" cash paid out to free hostages held by "terrorist groups" in the troubled Sahel region, the defense ministry has said.
The defense ministry said the cash was an “instalment of the ransom” paid out in a controversial October agreement, where neighboring Mali released some 200 prisoners including militant leaders to secure the release of four hostages, including French aid worker Sophie Petronin.
