BY: Hana Saada
ALGIERS– In a scathing critique, the Algerian Press Service (APS) has lambasted France 24’s coverage of the recent forest fires that devastated parts of Algeria. Under the title “France 24, this trash chain,” the APS has accused the media outlet of presenting a “shameful” and biased narrative, with seemingly sinister motives that stray far from any genuine humanitarian concern. According to the official agency, France 24’s biased reporting is aligned with an individual linked to the Elysée, known for connections with the terrorist organization MAK, raising concerns about hidden agendas at play.
The APS emphasizes that France 24’s coverage was far from impartial, focusing solely on two particular regions impacted by the fires, while neglecting the reality that 17 wilayas, including other countries in the Mediterranean Basin, also experienced devastating fires with loss of lives and property. By presenting a narrative that singles out Algeria, France 24 has been accused of following a hypocritical approach and serving the interests of terrorist organizations backed by neo-colonial elements.
Contrary to France 24’s portrayal, the APS highlights Algeria’s swift and effective response to combat the fires. Algeria’s remarkable firefighting efforts serve as a shining example of dedication and efficiency in the face of adversity. While some European countries struggled for an arduous ten days to combat devastating fires, Algeria, in a mere 48 hours, accomplished what seemed almost impossible. Despite enduring tragic losses and massive material damage in 2021, the nation spared no expense this year, deploying a powerful fleet of firefighting resources. A fleet that included a 12,000-liter capacity plane, six water bombers, and eight helicopters proved instrumental in rapidly and effectively tackling the blazes. These aerial interventions occurred under exceptionally challenging circumstances – fierce winds battered the affected regions, and temperatures soared to unbearable heights, reaching above 50°C at times. Yet, through unwavering courage, selflessness, and sheer professionalism, the pilots and firefighters, supported by the military and volunteers, successfully brought the fires under control and minimized the losses.
Despite Algeria’s exemplary firefighting efforts, France 24 chose to ignore these crucial details and failed to report on the wider scope of the disaster, which affected numerous regions and nations in the Mediterranean Basin. The APS contends that France 24′ selective reporting serves the interests of neocolonialists who refuse to acknowledge the transformation of a new Algeria – an independent nation that rejects any external interference in its affairs. By selectively highlighting only two regions, the network not only disregards the plight of the 17 other regions grappling with the same catastrophe but also inadvertently lends credence to the aims of terrorist groups such as MAK, their sympathizers, and those seeking to seize control of these vulnerable territories, which were rightfully reclaimed by the resilient population. France 24’s lack of professionalism and impartiality becomes evident as it fails to disclose the measures undertaken and the timeframes established to combat the fires, leaving the audience uninformed.
The APS calls upon the French external audiovisual sector to introspect and learn from the reasons behind Algeria’s rejection of France 24. The Algerian government had previously closed the network’s offices on its soil, and many other African countries have also expressed disapproval. The APS believes that if France wishes to have positive engagement with Africa, it should refrain from attacking media outlets that incite discord and animosity.
In conclusion, the APS urges France to clean up its own act before attempting to censor social media platforms accused of promoting hatred. France 24’s biased and one-sided coverage of the Algerian forest fires demonstrates a lack of journalistic integrity and a disregard for impartial reporting. Instead of targeting Algeria and undermining its progress, France should acknowledge the nation’s sovereignty and respect its right to pursue an independent path free from interference.
The APS’s powerful condemnation of France 24’s coverage serves as a reminder that responsible journalism demands objectivity and ethical reporting, refraining from perpetuating biased narratives that serve hidden agendas. As Algeria stands strong against neocolonial influences, the call for fair and honest journalism resonates as a vital component of fostering mutual understanding and cooperation between nations.
