Algeria Approves Sweeping General Mobilization Law Amid Escalating Regional Tensions

The bill now moves to the Council of the Nation (Upper House) before being signed by the President and published in the Official Gazette, after which it will become law. Given its rapid introduction, discussion, and approval, the bill is considered one of the fastest-adopted national security laws in Algeria’s legislative history.

Purpose and Legal Framework

In remarks following the vote, Justice Minister Lotfi Bouzgham emphasized that the legislation strengthens Algeria’s proactive legal framework for dealing with crises and threats, supporting the defense of national sovereignty and vital interests.

The bill aligns with ongoing efforts to reinforce the sacred Army-Nation bond, reinforcing Algeria’s strategic resilience and readiness for future challenges, Bouzgham noted.

He praised the parliamentarians’ constructive input, urging continued public engagement to counter misinformation and defend national unity. He also commended the military leadership’s professionalism and vigilance, stating that the Algerian army remains ready to deter any threat to national security.

Strategic Goals and Implementation

The law contains 69 articles across 7 chapters, detailing the mechanisms, procedures, and phases of general mobilization as defined in Article 90 of the Algerian Constitution. It follows the 2022 Military Reserve Law (Law No. 22-20) and aims to bolster the nation’s defensive capacity in response to imminent threats.

The President can declare or end a state of mobilization via Council of Ministers deliberation. The strategy involves mobilizing public and private sectors, civil society, and the population to ensure a smooth transition from peacetime to wartime, across the armed forces, government institutions, and national economy.

Key definitions include:

• General Mobilization: All necessary measures to shift the armed forces and state institutions from peace to war status.

• War Effort: The concentration of human, material, and financial resources to meet military needs.

Phases of the Mobilization Process

1. Preparation Phase:

   • Ministries must develop specific mobilization plans.

   • The Defense Ministry compiles a comprehensive national plan for presidential approval.

   • Measures include forming human and material reserves, suspending retirement for critical roles, activating civil defense, and restricting exports of sensitive materials.

2. External Engagement:

   • The Foreign Ministry will raise awareness among the Algerian diaspora and international organizations to justify the state’s use of mobilization in the event of aggression.

3. Internal Coordination:

   • The Interior Ministry ensures coordination between local authorities and the military, maintains updated citizen/resource databases, and promotes public awareness.

4. Industrial Adaptation:

   • The Industry Ministry, in coordination with the Defense Ministry, will adjust civilian industrial output to meet military requirements.

Execution Phase

The law outlines the transition of the armed forces from peace to war, including:

• Suspension of discharge for military personnel.

• Recall of reservists.

• Activation of civil defense and conscription mechanisms.

• Prioritization of military needs, while civilian institutions continue functioning under wartime protocols.

Penalties and Enforcement

To protect the integrity of the mobilization process, the law imposes strict penalties:

• 3 to 10 years imprisonment and fines up to 1 million dinars for misuse of requisitioned property or abuse of power.

• 2 months to 3 years imprisonment and fines up to 300,000 dinars for withholding critical information or hiding equipment designated for mobilization.

Conclusion

Amid a highly charged regional climate, the General Mobilization Law equips Algeria with a robust legal and operational framework to prepare for national emergencies or war. While its swift passage has stirred public debate, government officials affirm that the law is purely precautionary, designed to legally empower the state in times of existential threat.