ALGIERS – The Algerian President, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and Minister of Defense, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, chaired on Sunday a cabinet meeting, devoted to presentations notably on the promotion of administrative districts, in the High Plateaus and the South, to full provincial status, monitoring progress on the Gara Djebilet mine and the Tindouf-Bechar mining railway line, constructing a 500-bed University Hospital Center in Constantine, and acquiring specialized equipment for the Digital Development Support Enterprise (EADN).
Following a presentation by the Prime Minister on the government’s activity over the past two weeks, and after the discussions held by the ministers regarding the various presentations, the Algerian President issued the following orders, directives, and instructions:
The Algerian President ordered the following:
– Opening an investigation into the causes of the fires that broke out in several provinces simultaneously at the end of last week.
– He instructed the Minister of Finance to prepare a draft measure to raise the minimum wage.
– He instructed the Minister of Finance to prepare a draft measure to raise the minimum wage.
– He instructed the Minister of Finance to prepare a draft measure to increase the unemployment allowance.
– Permanent and continuous monitoring of public places and spaces for security and hygiene across all provinces (Wilayas).
– Mandatory compliance with hygiene standards by the owners of public and private transport vehicles in all cities and routes, particularly in Algiers and tourist provinces.
Regarding the promotion of administrative districts in the High Plateaus and the South to full provincial status:
The Cabinet approved the proposal to elevate eleven (11) administrative districts in the High Plateaus and southern regions to full provincial status. These include Aflou, Barika, Ksar Chellala, Messaad, Aïn Oussara, Bou Saâda, El-Abiodh Sidi Cheikh, El-Kantara, Bir El Ater, Ksar El-Boukhari, and El-Aricha.
After the approval, the Algerian President gave instructions to immediately proceed with completing the administrative procedures in coordination with both chambers of Parliament.
Regarding Tindouf-Bechar mining railway line:
The Algerian President instructed the Minister of Public Works to prepare for the inauguration of the new railway line deep in the Sahara, linking Tindouf and Béchar, with all its sections, during January 2026, in order to officially begin its operation. This event is to be a celebratory day commemorating this major national achievement, marking Algeria’s entry into a new era of significant economic milestones undertaken by the Algerian people in the course of developing their country.
Regarding the Gara Djebilet mine development:
– The President ordered the commencement of local use and extraction of iron ore from the Gara Djebilet mine starting in the first quarter of 2026. This milestone, unprecedented in independent Algeria’s history, sends a powerful message about Algeria’s new direction embracing economic sovereignty and resource diversification beyond hydrocarbons.
– The President issued firm directives to intensify efforts wherever possible, as this strategic project will soon be operational across all its sections and facilities, with the Cabinet having approved the establishment of new iron ore processing plants in Tindouf, Bechar, and Naâma.
– The President ordered that the first shipment of iron ore be delivered via the railway line to the Tosyali steel complex in Oran starting in 2026. This will mark Algeria’s first step toward reducing iron ore imports and progressively achieving self-sufficiency.
The Cabinet also approved the construction of a 500-bed University Hospital Center (CHU) in Constantine, as well as a contract to procure specialized equipment for the Digital Development Support Enterprise (EADN).
At the conclusion of the Cabinet meeting, decrees and individual decisions were approved, including appointments and dismissals in senior state positions and functions.
