ALGIERS- Algeria celebrates, today, Thursday, the National Day of the People’s National Army (ANP), instituted by the President of the Republic, Supreme Chief of the Armed Forces, Minister of National Defense, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, in recognition of the important role of the military institution in the process of building the country and safeguarding national unity and sovereignty.
President Tebboune had announced, during a meeting held at the beginning of this year at the headquarters of the Ministry of National Defense (MDN), his decision to establish the day of August 4, National Day of the ANP.
In a speech delivered on this occasion, he hailed the efforts of “the peaceful Algerian Army to defend Algeria with strength and ardor”.
Presidential decree N 22-217 of 8 Dhou El Kaâda 1443 corresponding to June 8, 2022 published in the National Gazette 39 of last June provides for the consecration of this National Day celebrating the conversion of the National Liberation Army (ALN) into the People’s National Army (ANP), on August 4, 1962, by highlighting the important role of the military institution in the process of building the country, safeguarding national unity and sovereignty and preserving the integrity of the national territory.
This national day is celebrated at the level of all the components of the ANP, deployed throughout the national territory, through the organization of demonstrations, activities and ceremonies of distinction, in recognition of the martyrs and the mujahideen of the Glorious War of Liberation, the martyrs of national duty, the severely disabled in the fight against terrorism as well as the elements of the ANP for their unfailing devotion and their immeasurable sacrifices.
In recent years, the ANP has continued its sustained efforts in the modernization and development of combat capabilities. It has achieved convincing results in the fight against terrorism and organized crime, for the defense of the principles of the Glorious Revolution, the safeguard of the sovereignty and security of the country, the protection of borders and the safeguard of the integrity territory and the unity of the people, in addition to its contribution to the development of the national economy, through a studied strategy aimed at achieving self-sufficiency, satisfying the needs of the national market and developing the industrial base of the country.
The President of the Republic does not fail to salute, on each occasion, the pioneering and central role of the ANP which pursues its mission of protection of the homeland, out of loyalty to the oath of the Chouhada.
During his last interview with the national press, the President of the Republic stressed that the strength of the Algerian army lies in the fact that it is an “Army-Nation” which has been able to create strong links with its proud people.
This feeling of pride was strongly expressed during the military parade organized by the ANP on the occasion of the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the recovery of national sovereignty.
During this military parade which denoted the professionalism and the development of the national defense system, the President of the Republic underlined, in his speech, the respect and the consideration of the nation for the ANP which he described as shield of Algeria and a worthy heiress of the National Liberation Army,” he said. He also praised its professionalism and high mastery of military technologies as well as the attachment to the Chouhada oath and the values of November.
In a message addressed to the Chief of Staff of the ANP, General of the Army Saïd Chanegriha, to congratulate him on the success of this military parade, President Tebboune affirmed that our military Institution is resolutely committed to the path of modern science and the acquisition of cutting-edge military technologies, to get in tune with the latest developments and progress in the military field, thus, consolidating its privileged place within the nation”.
For his part, General of the Army Saïd Chanegriha maintained, during a ceremony in honor of the cadres and personnel of the ANP who participated in the military parade, that “the armament of the People’s National Army is exclusively dedicated to the defense of Algeria and the protection of its borders and its national sovereignty, in addition to its contribution to the establishment of peace and stability in the world under the aegis of the United Nations”. Algeria “clearly expresses its will and its resolution to play a pivotal role on the regional and international scene within the framework of international law”, he underlined.
In a speech at the annual graduation ceremony at the Cherchell Military Academy, Army General Saïd Chanegriha affirmed that “the People’s National Army has always been the guarantor of national unity and has played a important role in the national development”, adding that the ANP “will pursue its constitutional mission”.
This constitutional mission was enshrined in the Constitution of November 2020 which, in addition to consolidating the roles assigned to the ANP, provides, through articles 31 and 91, for the participation of the Army in peacekeeping missions under under the aegis of the United Nations to deal proactively with any threat, particularly in the region, and to protect the country’s strategic interests.
This constitutional amendment reaffirms that Algeria’s strategic choices are irreversible and that its doctrine in matters of foreign policy and national defense is constant and immutable. He also highlighted the need for the ANP and for the country to adapt to the new geopolitical deal which dictates, as an essential option, the collective participation for the defense of the geostrategic interests of Algeria.
Article 31 of the Constitution provides that “within the framework of respect for the principles and objectives of the United Nations, the African Union and the League of Arab States, Algeria may participate in the maintenance of peace”.
According to article 91, the President of the Republic “decide on the sending of units of the People’s National Army abroad after approval by a two-thirds (2/3) majority of each chamber of Parliament”.
The ANP is distinguished from other armies in the world by the fact that it was not established by decree, one element among others, which explains the profound scope of the national and the popular extension of the worthy heir to the National Liberation Army (ALN).
