Algerians concerned about 'missing' president

Algerians on social media have started asking questions about their president who was last seen in public almost a month ago.

President Abdelmadjid Tebboune was flown to Germany in late October for treatment following after he caught coronavirus.

Since then very little has been revealed to the public about his condition which has fuelled speculation and concern in the country.

For many Algerians, Mr Tebboune’s situation is reminiscent of a troubling situation when former president Abdelaziz Bouteflika was hit by a stroke in 2013 and had to stay for months in a French hospital.

He never fully recovered from his illness and was forced to resign years later.

In a brief statement the president’s office said last week that "the president had completed the Covid-19 treatment protocol" but fell short of indicating the date of his return home.

Local pro-government newspapers speak however about an imminent return of the president after completing treatment in Germany.

His hospitalisation prevented Mr Tebboune from taking part in the referendum on 1 November to amend the constitution.

The vote was marred by the lowest turnout in decades.