Algerian Embassy’s Social Media Interaction with English Globetrotter Russ Cook Gains Elon Musk’s Commendation

BY: Dr. Hana Saada

ALGIERS- British athlete and philanthropist Russ Cook, dubbed “Hardest Geezer,” experienced a remarkable twist in his charitable trek across Africa, thanks to an outpouring of support on the X platform, formerly known as Twitter. Facing a significant hurdle in obtaining an Algerian visa for his ambitious journey from South to North, Cook’s fundraising quest, which had already garnered over $140,000 for African charities, faced uncertainty.

The tide turned when the Algerian Embassy in the United Kingdom responded positively to Russ Cook’s appeals. In a tweet dated January 28, the embassy announced that the British adventurer would be granted a “multi-entry visa,” crucial for his traverse through Algeria. The embassy instructed Cook to submit his visa application from his current location, promising an “immediate courtesy visa” and warmly adding, “Welcome to Algeria, and good luck!”

Hi @hardestgeezer, please submit your visa application from where you are located. Our Missions will grant you a courtesy visa on the spot. You can submit your application either to our Embassies in Bamako, Dakar or Nouakchott or to our Consulate in Nouadhibou (Mauritania).

You will get a multi-entry visa to allow you to cross #Algeria through the province of Tindouf in order to pursue your charitable mission. Welcome to Algeria and Good luck! Embassy of Algeria in London/Consular services.

Following this announcement, Russ Cook expressed his gratitude on his X page, where he regularly shares updates about his adventure. He wrote, “Boys and girls, we’ve done it. We are going to Algeria, and it’s all thanks to the power of social media. There are still over 4000 km to go, but I’ll have an end date for the Africa project ready to be announced very soon.”

This news captured the attention of various personalities, including Elon Musk, owner of the X platform. Musk commented on the X platform, highlighting the uniqueness and significance of such interactions for the platform. “This kind of interaction makes X special,” he stated.

Securing the Algerian visa marks a crucial milestone for Russ Cook, enabling him to continue his African journey. With renewed enthusiasm and ongoing support from the online community that made this outcome possible, he aspires to reach the northernmost point of Africa in Tunisia. This gesture of solidarity underscores the power of social media to turn obstacles into opportunities and opens an exciting new chapter in Russ Cook’s adventure across the African continent.

Hi @hardestgeezer, please submit your visa application from where you are located. Our Missions will grant you a courtesy visa on the spot.

You can submit your application either to our Embassies in Bamako, Dakar or Nouakchott or to our Consulate in Nouadhibou (Mauritania). 1/2 https://t.co/NMAsL6um7U

— Embassy of Algeria in UK (@EmbAlgeriainuk) January 28, 2024

Dzair Tube Media Group

Dzair Tube has firmly established itself as a prominent player among Algerian digital news sites, offering a diverse and enriching content experience. The platform, available in Arabic, French, and English editions, captures the attention of a wide-ranging audience, amassing over half a million daily clicks.

A testament to its commitment to excellence, Dzair Tube received the prestigious President of the Republic’s Award for Professional Journalist in the Electronic Press category on October 22, 2022. This recognition underscores the platform’s unwavering dedication to upholding the highest standards of journalism.

With a significant online presence, Dzair Tube boasts 350,000 subscribers on YouTube, over five million followers on various Facebook pages, and 450,000 subscribers on Instagram. Its digital channel has become a hub for diverse programming, covering news, sports, entertainment, culture, and religion, catering to a broad spectrum of audience preferences.

Equipped with state-of-the-art studios and advanced technology, Dzair Tube’s digital channel has garnered substantial viewership for its varied programs. Hosting interactive discussions with influential figures across different domains, the platform actively fosters public discourse and engagement. Beyond news coverage, Dzair Tube extends its commitment to the production of marketing documentaries, short TV commercials, and high-viewership programs.

The success of the print edition of Dzair Tube’s sports newspaper, “Dzair Sport,” further highlights the platform’s impact, with over 50,000 daily downloads from the official Dzair Tube website.

Recently honored with the Media Leadership Award from the Minister of Communication, Mohamed Laâgab, Dzair Tube continues to shape the landscape of Algerian digital news, maintaining a position of influence and impact in the media industry.