General Chengriha joins Algerian government as key defense figure

In Algeria, General Said Chengriha is reaping the benefits of his unwavering support for Abdelmadjid Tebboune's bid for a second term during the September 7 presidential elections. On Monday, November 18, the 80-year-old military officer was appointed Minister Delegate to the Minister of Defense and Chief of Staff of the Army. In terms of protocol, he now ranks second only to Prime Minister Nadir Larbaoui.

Officially, the Defense portfolio remains under Abdelmadjid Tebboune, following a tradition established by President Houari Boumediene after his June 19, 1965, coup d'état.

General Chengriha had been anticipating this promotion since 2021. He now follows in the footsteps of his predecessor, Ahmed Gaïd Salah, who served as head of the Algerian army and held the position of No. 2 in the Ministry of Defense from 2013 until his death on December 23, 2019.