BY: Dr. Hana Saada
Cevital executive denounces false reporting on alleged interrogation and travel ban, calling out the Paris-based outlet for spreading misinformation and undermining national economic figures.
Algiers, Algeria | April 22nd, 2025 — In a forceful and unambiguous statement, Omar Rebrab, one of the executive figures of the Cevital conglomerate and son of its founder Issad Rebrab, categorically denied the claims published this Tuesday by the French-based outlet Afrique Intelligence. The article in question alleged that he had been interrogated by Algerian intelligence services (DGSI) and prevented from leaving the country at the Algiers International Airport—allegations he denounced as entirely fabricated and malicious.
Categorical Rebuttal by Omar Rebrab
“I firmly deny the allegations published by Afrique Intelligence. At no point was I summoned by the DGSI, nor was I turned away at the airport as falsely reported by a media outlet known for its systematic hostility towards Algeria,” Rebrab declared.
He added, “This is yet another attempt to destabilize our country and target the Cevital Group through deceptive and manipulative information.”
The statement comes in direct response to a story headlined “Cevital: One of the Rebrab Brothers Interrogated by DGSI”, which claims that Omar Rebrab was questioned between April 9 and 11 at Ben Aknoun and subsequently blocked from traveling abroad on April 17.
Dissecting the Baseless Allegations
The Afrique Intelligence piece, filled with speculative and unverified claims, insinuates that Omar Rebrab is embroiled in legal scrutiny and bound by a travel ban, without citing any official or verifiable source. The publication further drags in other family members and associates—including former communication director Mouloud Ouali—and revives past accusations targeting the patriarch, Issad Rebrab, who has long been in the crosshairs of both political and economic smear campaigns.
According to the outlet, internal dynamics within the Rebrab family regarding inheritance and control of the industrial empire are at the center of escalating tensions, citing Malik Rebrab’s assumed leadership and suggesting political affiliations to back its claims.
However, none of these assertions have been supported by official documentation or confirmed by judicial authorities—nor has the Cevital Group, a pillar of Algeria’s private sector, issued any confirmation of such internal conflict or legal entanglements currently affecting its executives.
A Pattern of Disinformation
This is not the first time Afrique Intelligence has come under fire for politically motivated and unfounded attacks targeting Algerian institutions and business figures. Its persistent targeting of Algeria’s industrial fabric—especially prominent actors like Cevital—raises pressing questions about the outlet’s editorial intentions and sources.
By reviving judicial narratives and capitalizing on dated legal developments, the article appears designed to discredit Algeria’s largest privately-owned company and to stir speculation around a family-led business that remains a cornerstone of national economic activity.
