Army Chief General Saïd Chanegriha Participates in Extraordinary CEMOC Session

BY: Hana Saada

ALGIERS – In a proactive initiative driven by Algeria, the extraordinary session of the Council of Chiefs of Staff of the member countries of the Joint Operational Staff Committee (CEMOC) was held today at the National Army Circle in Beni-Messous, bringing together Algeria, Mali, Mauritania, and Niger. The session, attended by General of the Army Saïd Chanegriha, Chief of Staff of the People’s National Army (ANP), focused on the transfer of the rotating presidency from Niger to Algeria and the evaluation of the prevailing security situation in the sub-region.

During the opening of the session, General of the Brigade Moussa Salaou Barmou, Chief of Staff of the Nigerien Armed Forces and the current President of the Council of Chiefs of Staff of the Joint Operational Staff Committee, facilitated the exchange of leadership responsibility between Niger and Algeria.

In his welcoming address, General Saïd Chanegriha expressed warm greetings to the distinguished delegates, conveying a message of fraternity and friendship from President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. The President considers this occasion as significant for objectively assessing the security challenges in the region and coordinating efforts to achieve the outlined security objectives.

The Chief of Staff highlighted the importance of the Council of Chiefs of Staff of the member countries as a high-level framework for evaluating, exchanging, and directing necessary steps to enhance the effectiveness of this crucial security cooperation mechanism. He underscored the exceptional nature of holding the session in Algeria to ensure continuity in the presidency transfer and recalled the previous extraordinary session in October 2022, which endorsed key texts governing the committee.

General Saïd Chanegriha emphasized the commitment of the People’s National Army to continue the relentless fight against terrorism and related crimes, coordinating efforts with CEMOC partners. He reiterated the determination to collaborate within the security cooperation mechanism, emphasizing the need to federate efforts and coordinate interventions to protect the geographical space and reinforce national security.

The session provided an opportunity for delegation leaders to present and exchange analyses and perspectives on the prevailing context in the area of interest, both regionally and internationally. The conclusion featured a ceremony for the transfer of the rotating presidency between General Moussa Salaou Barmou and General Saïd Chanegriha.

The extraordinary session stands as a testament to the ongoing commitment of CEMOC member countries to collaborative efforts in addressing security challenges and fostering regional stability. The exchange of leadership underscores the cooperative spirit in confronting shared security threats in the sub-region.