Algeria at the heart of African Governance: Tebboune leads key Summit in Addis Ababa

In a significant demonstration of Algeria’s growing role on the continental stage, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune chaired the 34th summit of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) on Friday at the headquarters of the African Union in Addis Ababa. This high-level meeting comes in the context of Tebboune’s recent appointment as the head of the APRM Forum of Heads of State and Government since February 2024.

The day began with a series of bilateral meetings, where the Algerian president received several of his African counterparts before the official opening of the summit. These preliminary exchanges highlight the diplomatic importance of the event and Algeria’s desire to strengthen its ties with continental partners.

The summit gathered an impressive array of African leaders, demonstrating the importance placed on this mutual evaluation mechanism. The Algerian delegation, particularly substantial, included several prominent government figures. Among them were Ahmed Attaf, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, the National Community Abroad, and African Affairs; Abdelhak Saihi, Minister of Health; and Nadjiba Djilali, Minister of Environment and Quality of Life.

The notable presence of Salma Bakhta Mansouri, Secretary of State for African Affairs, as well as Amar Bendjama, Algeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, and Ambassador Salma Malika Haddadi, reflect Algeria’s multidimensional approach to its African policy.

The APRM, created under the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), is a crucial tool for promoting good governance on the continent. This mechanism allows member states to assess each other in key areas such as democracy, political governance, economic management, and corporate governance.

Algeria’s presidency of this strategic forum comes at a time when the continent faces major challenges, particularly in economic development, political stability, and ecological transition. Tebboune’s leadership in this body could help strengthen Algeria’s position as a major player in continental governance and a catalyst for African development.

This presidency also provides Algeria with an important platform to promote its vision of a more integrated and resilient Africa, while reinforcing South-South cooperation, a constant priority of Algerian diplomacy.