Algerian Interior Minister Orders Accelerated Compensation for Wildfire Victims Before End of August
Interior Minister Saïd Sayoud has instructed governors in 18 wildfire-affected provinces to speed up compensation procedures for victims, reaffirming President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s directive to complete all payments by August 31 while strengthening disaster preparedness and environmental protection measures.
BY Dr. Hana Saada
ALGIERS, Algeria — Algerian Interior Minister Saïd Sayoud chaired a coordination meeting on Tuesday with the governors of 18 wildfire-affected provinces to review the implementation of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s directive to compensate victims of recent forest fires before August 31, 2026.
Held via videoconference from the Government Palace, the meeting brought together the governors of Jijel, Skikda, Constantine, Annaba, El Tarf, Sétif, Sidi Bel Abbès, Tlemcen, Oran, Béjaïa, Tizi Ouzou, Bordj Bou Arréridj, Bouira, Souk Ahras, Mascara, Saïda, Mila and Guelma, alongside senior officials from the Civil Protection Directorate and the Ministry of the Interior.
Accelerating compensation efforts
Sayoud reiterated the President’s instructions calling for the immediate support and compensation of citizens affected by the devastating wildfires, stressing the need to accelerate the examination of compensation files while ensuring that the process is completed within the prescribed deadline.
He instructed provincial authorities to conduct accurate and objective assessments of damages in coordination with all relevant government departments, emphasizing that compensation procedures must be carried out with transparency, fairness, integrity and impartiality.
The Interior Ministry had previously announced the launch of the compensation process, with all claims expected to be settled by the end of August.
The recent wildfires claimed the lives of six people and caused significant damage to homes, agricultural land and forest resources, prompting authorities to undertake a comprehensive assessment of losses across the affected regions.
Tribute to emergency responders
At the opening of the meeting, the minister paid tribute to the victims of the forest fires and extended his condolences to their families.
He also commended the efforts of the Civil Protection services, the People’s National Army (ANP), the National Police, the National Gendarmerie, forest conservation services, local authorities, municipalities, civil society organizations, volunteers and citizens who participated in firefighting and emergency response operations.
Sayoud conveyed President Tebboune’s appreciation to governors and all local authorities for their commitment, discipline and professionalism throughout the crisis.
Strengthening preparedness and prevention
Although all major wildfire outbreaks have now been extinguished, the minister called on local authorities to remain vigilant and maintain a high level of preparedness.
He praised the coordination among the various emergency services and instructed officials to continue reinforcing preventive measures against future incidents.
Sayoud stressed that the government would continue investing in civil protection capabilities by providing additional personnel, equipment and intervention resources, including fire engines, water tankers, aerial firefighting assets and new Civil Protection facilities.
He also instructed authorities to organize regular emergency simulation exercises across all provinces to enhance operational readiness and improve response times to natural disasters.
Improving the living environment
The minister also addressed urban cleanliness, urging governors and local authorities to intensify sanitation campaigns and improve the quality of the public environment.
He stressed that cleanliness should become a permanent priority rather than a seasonal initiative, calling for the active involvement of public institutions, civil society organizations and local communities in maintaining cleaner and more attractive cities and villages.
Concluding the meeting, Sayoud emphasized the importance of continued coordination among government agencies, stronger preventive policies and proactive disaster management to safeguard citizens, protect property and preserve Algeria’s environmental and forest resources.
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