Many Algerians on social media have welcomed seeing President Abdelamdjid Tebboune on video, who made his first appearance almost 2 months after contracting coronavirus and being treated in Germany.
President Tebboune looked pale and gaunt in the clip that went out on his Twitter and Algerian state TV, yet promised to return to the country in a "few weeks":
الحمد لله على العافية بعد الابتلاء، شفى الله المصابين ورحم المتوفين و واسى ذويهم. موعدنا قريب على أرض الوطن، لنواصل بناء الجزائر الجديدة. ستبقى الجزائر دوما واقفة بشعبها العظيم، و جيشها الباسل، سليل جيش التحرير الوطني، ومؤسسات الدولة. pic.twitter.com/gyLES1XgtL
— عبدالمجيد تبون - Abdelmadjid Tebboune (@TebbouneAmadjid) December 13, 2020
Sceptics however were left unimpressed and asked why the whereabouts of the president have not been specified and also questioned his capacity to take back his duties.
Mr Tebboune was last seen in public on 15 October when he met with the French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves le Drian. And since his hospitalization in Germany, the authorities have on several occasions announced his imminent return home.
His long absence and the lack of clarity about his condition fueled rumours in the North African country which had been tormented by the sickness of its former president Abdelaziz Bouteflika.
The 75-years-old current president is known to be a "heavy smoker". He was advised on 24 October to self-isolate following a positive coronavirus case among his close staff.
His health deteriorated and was flown on 28 October to Germany for coronavirus treatment.
A year after his election on the promise to build "a new Algeria" the country is a state of limbo - many say the constitutional changes to be ushered in after a referendum fail to meet fully the demands of the Hirak protest movement.
Latest Stories
-
Be alert, insist on decent messages – Dwumfour tells media
8 mins -
Father jailed 10 years for burning daughter’s genitals with hot cutlasses
18 mins -
I aim to help Ghana produce world-class athletes – Asamoah Gyan
25 mins -
Ashanti Regional Minister alleges sabotage in electricity supply
30 mins -
2024 Elections: Dampare urges Ghanaians to prioritise patriotism and display maturity
38 mins -
‘Let it rot’ campaign hits fish prices in Egypt
45 mins -
Otumfuo chalks 25 years on Golden Stool today
48 mins -
Saudi could get first Miss Universe contestant this year
55 mins -
Ghana Shippers’ Authority initiates steps to sign Service Level Agreements with stakeholders
56 mins -
Fuse ODG supports rising artiste, Fred Kobby, with funds for music video
59 mins -
Mohbad’s toxicology result finally ready
1 hour -
Giggs releases ‘Hallelujah’ video featuring Lojay
1 hour -
Mustapha Ussif wins African Sports Minister of the Year Award.
1 hour -
Sons shouldn’t be mothers’ emotional support system – Ethel Adjololo
2 hours -
Family threatens to take on Trinity Hospital over missing corpse
2 hours