Algerian President Awards Medals to the Chief of Staff of the Army and a Number of Generals and Senior Officers

ALGIERS – The Algerian President, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and Minister of Defense, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, presided on Saturday at the Palace of the People over the ceremony of awarding decorations to a number of generals and senior officers.

This ceremony is part of the celebrations commemorating the seventy-first anniversary of the glorious outbreak of the November 1, 1954 Revolution.

At the outset of this ceremony, the President of the Republic, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and Minister of National Defense, together with the Army General, Minister Delegate to the Minister of National Defense and Chief of Staff of the People’s National Army, as well as senior state officials, presided over the awarding of decorations to a group of military personnel, following the approval by both chambers of Parliament of two laws establishing nineteen new medals in the People’s National Army, the Algerian Ministry of Defence said in a statement.

The “Operational Command” Medal, the “Counter-Terrorism and Organized Crime” Medal, and the “Scientific Excellence” Medal were awarded to the Army General, Minister Delegate to the Minister of National Defense and Chief of Staff of the People’s National Army, as well as to a group of military leaders.

On this occasion, Army General, Saïd Chanegriha, Minister Delegate to the Minister of National Defense, Chief of Staff of the People’s National Army, delivered a speech in which he began by expressing his thanks and appreciation to the President of the Republic for presiding over the ceremony. He emphasized that the establishment of these medals aims to reinforce a national military merit system that recognizes sacrifice, capability, and competence, the statement said.

“On this distinguished national occasion, which reflects our steadfast commitment to the principles, values, and symbolism of the glorious November Revolution, I wish to express to you, Mr. President of the Republic, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and Minister of National Defense, both on my own behalf and on behalf of all personnel of the People’s National Army, our deepest appreciation and gratitude for honoring us by presiding over the ceremony awarding decorations to a group of senior officers and personnel, following the establishment of nineteen new medals in the People’s National Army,” Army General, Saïd Chanegriha, said.

“The establishment of these medals comes in implementation of your Excellency’s directives, aimed at continuing efforts to strengthen the material, organizational, and human capacities of the People’s National Army, particularly with regard to motivating personnel and enhancing the quality of human performance, which constitutes the cornerstone of any development project. All of this ensures that our steadfast army remains, at all times, the nation’s stronghold and the loyal guardian of republican values and the hard-won achievements of our proud people,” he added.

“Through the establishment of these medals, we also seek to reinforce a national military merit system that recognizes sacrifice, capability, and competence, and that aligns with the increasing complexity and risks of missions in the current international context. It is designed to adapt to the expanding intersections between military duties and scientific and technological developments, as necessitated by the ongoing transformations in military affairs,” he noted.

The Army General also emphasized that the establishment of the “Counter-Terrorism and Organized Crime” Medal aims to reward military personnel for their significant and recognized sacrifices in the defense of the nation and its citizens.

“These new medals include two grades of the People’s National Army Medal without insignia, intended for civilian personnel in similar roles, as well as the “Operational Command” Medal, which includes thirteen grades, the “Partnership with the People’s National Army” Medal, the “Scientific Excellence” Medal, the “Innovation” Medal, and the “Counter-Terrorism and Organized Crime” Medal,” he said.

“The awarding of the “Counter-Terrorism and Organized Crime” Medal aims to reward military personnel for their significant and recognized sacrifices in defending the nation and its citizens, particularly those who have demonstrated exemplary courage in neutralizing terrorists and criminal elements. Undoubtedly, this will serve as an important motivation for our personnel to redouble their efforts to eradicate the remnants of terrorism and to firmly confront organized crime and sabotage activities.”