HIBAPRESS – Yousef Aqdad
Algerian political and media activist Said Bensidera has sparked widespread controversy by speaking about the state of the military institution in his country, focusing on what he considers a decline in army morale due to the imprisonment of a number of officers and generals, and comparing the way military officials were treated in past periods with what he described as the current situation.
Bensidera said that the arrests targeting military leaders, in his estimation, reflect on the morale of officers and the image of the military institution. He questioned how a young officer could view his commander, who was once respected and held in awe, only to find that official behind bars.
Bensidera considered that the transfer of military leaders from decision-making positions to prison could, according to his reading, sow a state of anxiety and uncertainty within the ranks of the institution. He believes that junior officers seeing former leaders facing judicial cases could, in his estimation, affect the image and prestige of the leadership and the level of trust within the army's hierarchy.
In this context, Bensidera invoked the names of several military leaders he mentioned in his discussion of arrests and judicial cases, including Said Bay, Abdel Razak Cherif, and Habib Chntouf, in addition to other names. He also touched upon Lieutenant General Mohamed Mediene, known as General Tewfik.
The Algerian activist considered that combating corruption and holding officials accountable does not necessarily mean, in all cases, putting an officer behind bars or publicizing the case. He proposed alternatives such as house arrest, travel bans, or asset freezes, while keeping some measures confidential, in order to preserve the prestige of the military institution and the image of the state.
Bensidera also criticized what he considered a difference between the way military files were managed in the past and what is happening now under President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and Army Chief of Staff Saïd Chengriha, speaking of what he described as "settling of scores" within the power circles. He considered that the continuation of these developments could, according to his vision, reflect on the Algerian People's National Army and its image in the eyes of the public.
Bensidera went on to say that the military institution, according to his reading, is going through a sensitive phase due to what he described as a buildup of arrests, dismissals, and judicial cases that have affected a number of leaders. He considered that the most dangerous aspect of this situation is what he sees as a potential impact on the morale of army personnel, which prompted him to warn of the danger of the country entering a "dead end" if this method of managing disputes and files within state institutions continues.
These statements come at a time when Algeria is witnessing increasing debate about the nature of the relationship between the presidency and the military leadership. Reports and analyses during 2026 spoke of changes in security and military positions and disagreements related to some appointments.
The statements of Said Bensidera, with their accusations and readings about the state of the Algerian military institution, reveal a collapse in army morale and a failure of state institutions.
