On behalf of the President of the Algerian Republic, Supreme Chief of the Armed Forces, Minister of National Defence, General Said Chanegriha, Delegate Minister to the Minister of National Defence, Chief of People’s National Army Staff, presided over the installation ceremony of Major General Mostefa Smaili, in the functions of the new Commander of the Land Forces.

After the welcoming ceremony, General Chanegriha observed, at the entrance to the headquarters of the Land Forces Command, a moment of silence in memory of the martyr “Didouche Mourad” whose headquarters of the Command is named after him. The General then laid a wreath of flowers in front of the commemorative stele of the chahid and recited the Fatiha in his memory and that of the valiant chouhada.

The General then proceeded to inspect the squares of the executives and personnel of the Land Forces Command, aligned at the parade ground, before announcing the official installation of the new Commander of the Land Forces, Major General Mostefa Smaili, replacing Major General Amar Athamnia.

“In the name of the President of the Republic, Supreme Chief of the Armed Forces, Minister of National Defence, and in accordance with the presidential decree of 12th November 2024, I officially install Major General Mostefa Smaili in the functions of Commander of the Land Forces, replacing Major General Amar Athamnia,” he said.

“I also order you to work under his authority, to follow his orders and to execute his instructions, in the interest of the service, in application of the military regulations and the laws of the Republic,” he added.

General Chanegriha then presided over the ceremony of handing over the national flag, the Algerian Ministry of Defence said in a statement.

After signing the Minutes of the transfer of power, the General held a meeting with the Command, the General Staff and the personnel of the headquarters of the Land Forces Command, and delivered an orientation speech, broadcast by videoconference to all units of the Land Forces, in which he stressed that he personally ensures that the alternation of positions and functions is a constant tradition and culture, which drives a new dynamic in the ranks of the PNA.

“On this occasion, I would like to emphasize that the alternation of positions and functions, at different levels, constitutes a commendable tradition and an ordinary fact in the organization and management of institutions, where each manager makes his contribution, by working to improve the quality of performance, to bring together the appropriate conditions and to mobilize qualified human resources, capable of guaranteeing the continuity of the institution, and this, in the service of the State and its major interests,” he said.

“I have personally ensured that the alternation of positions and functions is a constant tradition and culture, which drives a new dynamic in the ranks, particularly in light of the accelerated changes that our region is undergoing, involving new security challenges and complex threats to which we must constantly adapt,” General Chanegriha stressed.

He further warned against voices and spokespersons who attempt, through erroneous interpretations and analyses, to sow doubt and confusion within the national public opinion.

“We are, however, confident that our fellow citizens are aware of these maneuvers, hatched in the offices of subversion from abroad, and implemented by traitors and sellouts, who have accustomed us to these actions each time our country reaffirms its constant positions with regard to just causes in the world or clearly expresses its attachment to its sovereignty and its sovereign decision,” he stressed.

“We are also certain that the valiant patriotic men will work permanently to strengthen our national immunity and contribute to the efforts to fortify the PNA, in the service of the stability of our country and the defence of its supreme interests,” he noted.

The General stressed Algeria's determination to preserve its sovereignty and national unity, and to face, with firmness, all hostile actions targeting the national State and its symbols, and this, thanks to its faithful children.

At the end of this meeting, the General followed the interventions of the executives and personnel of the Land Forces Command, and listened to their concerns. (Source & Photo © Algerian Ministry of Defence)