Prime Minister Sifi Gherib visited Jijel province on Thursday to assess the situation following recent fires, state media reported. The visit to the affected province was undertaken on behalf of the President of the Republic, demonstrating a high level of governmental concern and direct engagement with the crisis. This key visit occurred amidst a period of national mourning, which was formally declared in remembrance of the fire victims who tragically lost their lives in the devastating blazes. Gherib's presence in Jijel notes the government's steadfast focus on the affected regions and its commitment to the ongoing recovery efforts after the widespread destruction caused by the fires.
Assessing the Damage and Offering Support
During his visit, Prime Minister Sifi Gherib dedicated time to personally inspect the condition of those injured in the fires. He meticulously reviewed the medical care they were receiving at various facilities, including Al-Milia hospital, ensuring that all necessary support and treatment were being provided to the victims. This direct engagement with the injured showed the government's commitment to the well-being of its citizens. Following these hospital visits, the Prime Minister then proceeded to the Mashat area in Al-Milia (الميلية). Here, he was briefed extensively on the general fire situation and its ongoing development by local officials and emergency services personnel. The full briefing provided insights into the scale of the disaster and the challenges faced by responders. The Prime Minister's visit and on-the-ground assessment followed an earlier confirmation by the Minister of Interior, Local Authorities and Transport, Saïd Sayoud, who stated on Wednesday evening that a total of 12 deaths had resulted from fires across several provinces. This somber information was reported on August 27, 2026, noting the tragic human cost of the fires.
Presidential Directive and National Mourning
The Prime Minister's visit to Jijel was undertaken on behalf of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, acting as a direct extension of the President's concern for the affected areas. President Tebboune had previously announced a three-day national mourning period following the fires, a solemn gesture to honor those lost. The presidency stated that the mourning was declared specifically in memory of the victims of the fires that affected several provinces across the nation. This significant period of national mourning began on Wednesday, August 27, 2026, and is being observed nationwide, uniting the country in grief and remembrance for those who perished.
Coordinated Ministerial Support on Ground
The Prime Minister's itinerary included visits to hospitals treating fire victims, with a particular focus on Al-Milia hospital, to assess their condition and the overall medical response capacity. Prime Minister Sifi Gherib was accompanied during his visit to Jijel province by a high-level delegation of key cabinet members, demonstrating a strong and coordinated governmental response to the crisis. The delegation included Saïd Sayoud, the Minister of Interior, Local Authorities and Transport, who has been actively providing updates on the fire situation and coordinating emergency efforts. Also present were the Minister of Health, emphasizing the critical importance of medical care for the injured, and the Minister of National Solidarity, Family and Women's Affairs, indicating a broad governmental focus on both immediate medical care and longer-term social support for those affected by the blazes and their families. This multi-ministerial presence shows the full approach being taken to address the multifaceted challenges posed by the recent fires.
