Major General Sid Ahmed Bormana has been appointed as the new head of the Algerian National Gendarmerie, succeeding General Ali Yahia Oulhadj.
The appointment, which took place on Saturday, comes at a time of heightened regional tensions.
The change in leadership within the Algerian National Gendarmerie underscores the military high command’s commitment to maintaining a robust security posture amidst ongoing diplomatic friction and internal sensitivities that are contributing to a heightened sense of security alert within the country.
The official handover ceremony, presided over by the Chief of Staff of the National People’s Army (ANP), Army General Said Chanegriha, was conducted in a formal military setting at the Gendarmerie’s headquarters.
While the change of command follows established protocol, its occurrence within a tense security and political context – described as “sensitive” by Algerian authorities – adds a layer of significance. In his address during the ceremony, General Chanegriha emphasized the importance of vigilance, loyalty, and unity, conveying a clear message that the security apparatus remains on high alert in the face of what he described as persistent threats to national unity.
The newly appointed commander, Major General Bormana, assumes leadership of an institution central to Algeria’s territorial control system. This transition occurs as Algeria increasingly voices its concerns regarding what it explicitly identifies as its “historical adversaries.”
During the ceremony, General Chanegriha spoke of Algeria being “targeted,” stressing the need to maintain a permanent and effective deterrent force.
This leadership change within the Gendarmerie appears to be part of a broader strategic realignment within the ANP, focusing on safeguarding national sovereignty in a regional environment characterized by increasing instability.
SL/Sf/ac/fss/abj/APA