BY: Dr. Hana Saada
A viral online campaign rooted in historical trauma and deep national affection calls on President Abdelmadjid Tebboune to skip the upcoming Arab League summit in Iraq, invoking haunting memories of past tragedies and expressing grave security concerns.
Algiers, Algeria | April 23rd, 2025 — In an unprecedented display of national affection and civic vigilance, Algerians have launched a sweeping online campaign urging President Abdelmadjid Tebboune to decline the invitation to attend the Arab League Summit scheduled for mid-May in Baghdad, Iraq. The hashtag #لا_تذهب_للعراق (“Don’t go to Iraq”) ( #عمي_تبون_ماتروحش_للعراق) has surged across Algerian social media platforms, reflecting the public’s heartfelt plea for the president to prioritize his safety amid a volatile regional climate and echoes of tragic historical precedents.
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The campaign gained momentum following the circulation of a poignant video featuring an Algerian woman tearfully imploring President Tebboune not to embark on the trip, citing deep-rooted fears rooted in Algeria’s political memory. Chief among these is the mysterious illness that claimed the life of former President Houari Boumédiène after his 1978 visit to Iraq—an event long clouded by suspicions of poisoning. Similarly, the 1982 downing of a plane carrying Algeria’s then-Foreign Minister Mohamed Seddik Benyahia, by, as many revealed, a missile fired from Iraqi territory during his mediation efforts in the Iran-Iraq conflict, remains a source of national anguish and suspicion.
“Algerians love their president and want him to remain safe. We are not ready to lose another leader to the same soil that holds too many unanswered questions,” posted user Mahmoud Djabri. “Mr. President, you are Algeria’s strength. Please do not risk your life—not even by one percent. The nation needs you now more than ever.”
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This heartfelt appeal is not merely rooted in emotion but also in geopolitical realism. Commentators argue that Iraq today, despite its attempts at stabilization, remains a terrain entangled in the interests of competing foreign intelligence services and internal power struggles. “When the Algerian president steps onto Iraqi soil, he is not entering a fully sovereign state, but a fragmented zone of influence,” wrote analyst Mohamed Mehdi. “It’s a dangerous gamble for any statesman—especially one who stands firm on regional justice and the Palestinian cause.”
Many of the messages posted by Algerians reflect this dual concern—fear of external plots and internal betrayal, and a deep-seated trauma left by the deaths of iconic figures in ambiguous circumstances. One user wrote, “We do not want a repeat of the Boudiaf, Boumédiène, or Benyahia tragedies. We love our president. Please don’t send him to a place where so many questions are left unanswered.”
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Others pointed out the current geopolitical context, warning that Algeria’s principled positions on Palestine and its firm rejection of normalization with the Zionist entity have made it a target. “Mr. President, those who don’t like Algeria’s moral stance will not hesitate to strike. Don’t walk into a trap laid by those who fear voices of dignity,” another user cautioned.
Beyond the fears, the campaign highlights something more enduring—the emotional bond between Algerians and their president. In a region often marred by detachment between the governed and their leaders, this initiative underscores a rare moment of unity where citizens are not only politically alert but emotionally invested in the well-being of their head of state. In addition, countless Algerians affectionately used the phrase “Ami Tebboune” or “Uncle Tebboune” alongside the hashtag “Don’t go to Iraq.” This expression reflects the deep personal bond many Algerians feel toward their president—regarding him not as a distant figure of authority, but as a trusted family member. It also aligns with President Tebboune’s own repeated calls to avoid excessive praise or flattery, a principle he has emphasized in public discourse. The spontaneous public sentiment thus became a heartfelt plea, grounded in both concern and genuine affection.
The movement has also gained traction among various civil society voices, analysts, and media figures, turning what began as a spontaneous social media trend into a national call of caution—one rooted in history, realism, and love.
As the date of the summit draws closer, all eyes will be on El Mouradia Palace to see whether President Tebboune will heed the call of his people. For now, one thing is clear: Algerians do not want to risk another chapter of grief. Their message is simple, powerful, and unmistakably patriotic: “We love you, Ami Tebboune. Please don’t go.”
