Prime Minister Seif Gheri visited Jijel province on Thursday to assess the situation following recent fires, according to official statements. The visit was undertaken on the directive of the President of the Republic, showing the high-level attention given to the fire aftermath and its devastating impact. Prime Minister Gheri stated, "بتكليف من رئيس الجمهورية، تنقّل الوزير الأول سيفي غريب يوم الخميس إلى ولاية جيجل. للوقوف ميدانيًا على الوضع الناجم عن الحرائق" (At the instruction of the President of the Republic, Prime Minister Seif Gheri traveled on Thursday to Jijel province to personally assess the situation resulting from the fires). His presence aimed to directly observe the damage and the ongoing response efforts in the affected areas, providing a firsthand account of the challenges faced by the local population and emergency services.
Assessing Fire Impact and Response
The Prime Minister's visit also aimed to monitor the ongoing intervention and extinguishing operations in the affected areas, ensuring that all available resources were being effectively deployed. A key objective of the visit was to review the conditions for providing care to victims, the injured, and all those impacted by the recent blazes, focusing on immediate medical attention and humanitarian aid. The assessment included a thorough evaluation of the measures implemented to support victims and affected individuals, alongside full efforts to mitigate the fires' destructive effects and begin the process of recovery. This critical oversight ensures a coordinated and strong government response to the emergency. This report is published on August 27, 2026.
Broader Context and Casualties
The visit to Jijel comes amidst a wider crisis affecting several regions. On Wednesday evening, Minister of Interior, Local Authorities and Transport, Saïd Sayoud, confirmed from Béjaïa the tragic deaths of 12 individuals due to fires that erupted across several provinces. This somber announcement noted the severe human cost of the ongoing blazes. In response to the tragic loss of life, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune announced a national mourning period. President Tebboune stated, "وأعلن رئيس الجمهورية عبد المجيد تبون في وقت سابق من اليوم، حدادا وطنيا لمدة 3 أيام. ترحّما على أرواح ضحايا الحرائق." (The President of the Republic, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, announced earlier today a national mourning period of 3 days, in memory of the victims of the fires.) The three-day period of national mourning was declared to honor those who perished in the blazes, allowing the nation to collectively grieve and reflect on the profound impact of the disaster.
Official Mandate and Support
The Prime Minister's visit to Jijel province was undertaken at the specific directive of the President of the Republic, showing the high-level attention given to the fire aftermath and the well-being of the affected communities. Prime Minister Seif Gheri was accompanied by a delegation of key government officials, signaling a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach to the crisis. This delegation included Saïd Sayoud, the Minister of Interior, Local Authorities and Transport, who had previously confirmed fatalities from the fires, bringing key insights into the broader situation. Also present were the Minister of Health, focusing on medical response and public health concerns, and the Minister of National Solidarity, Family and Women's Affairs, tasked with addressing social support and aid for vulnerable populations. The presence of these ministers indicated a full focus on immediate relief, public health, and social support for those affected by the recent blazes in Jijel, ensuring a holistic government response.
