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The Algerian President Abdelmajid Tebboune has disappeared from public view long before the deadly bus crash that has sparked widespread popular anger over deteriorating transport infrastructure and services in an oil and gas producing country.
At least 18 commuters were killed and 25 others injured in Algiers on August 15 after an old rusty bus plummeted from a bridge into Oued El Harrach, a river which turned into a lake of sewage after years of neglect and environmental damage.
This tragic accident has sent shockwaves across the country. Army Chief Said Chengriha, top presidential advisor Boualem Boualem and transport minister Said Sayoud have all visited the injured in hospitals in a show of solidarity and comfort.
But the mysterious absence of Tebboune during these sad circumstances is fueling rumors on social media and raising questions on who is running the country.
In a desperate attempt to alleviate growing public anger, the Algerian presidency issued press releases saying the Head of the State declared a day of mourning and issued instructions to his ministers to visit the victims and inquire about their situation.
However, the government’s attempts to reassure the public and its damage control PR operation have failed. While Tebboune’s portrait is ubiquitous in TV stations, news outlets, public spaces, official settings… the 80-year-old President remains so far missing.
Some Algerians say Tebboune is spending his summer holiday in Germany while his own people is suffering from tragedies and disasters. Others affirm he traveled overseas for medical treatment.
Some media platforms close to the Algerian regime say the President is in his residence in Algeria and follows closely the situation in the country, while other skeptical observers suggest that he might have bolted out after clashes with Chengriha over the Sahara issue and diplomatic setbacks.
The power struggle is raging in the country reeling under growing international pressure to disband the Polisario militia and normalize relations with neighboring Morocco for regional peace and stability.
The showdown between the Algerian presidency and military intelligence apparatus, which was brewing underneath, is now getting more serious and heralding a possible implosion of the country.
According to some analysts, Tebboune’s baffling disappearance act undermines his political position and deepens further the gap between the ruling Algerian military regime and the Algerian people.
During times of crises and trauma, the Algerian people needs a President who shows leadership, motivates the nation toward new goals, calms it, persuades, inspires, empathizes, and negotiates a face-saving exit for his country.
The controversy over the absence of the President has intensified during Algeria’s National Mujahid Day marked on Tuesday. On this occasion, the Algerian presidency posted on its website a statement attributed to Tebboune without his physical appearance. This has reignited public ire and sparked speculations over President’s health and his whereabouts.
Maybe he is sulking. Maybe he is fully aware that his absence only makes his country look flimsy, and he’s reveling in the schadenfreude. Despite all theories about what is going on, the fact is that the President has not been seen for days. No wonder, not only Algerians, but also their friends and foes are asking where the hell is the President?
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