Algeria wildfires trigger volunteer relief and spark criticism over rejected Moroccan aid

Large wildfires swept Algeria's eastern provinces of Annaba and Skikda in late July, killing six people and forcing the evacuation of residents. Volunteer organisations, charities and local activists mobilised to distribute water, meals, and aid for injured animals, while citizens offered vehicles to transport supplies and evacuees. Authorities activated emergency response plans and detained four individuals suspected of involvement in starting some of the blazes.

Political analyst Ahmed Nour‑Eddin condemned the Algerian military government's decision to refuse Morocco's offer of Cañader firefighting aircraft, describing the refusal as a “crime against humanity”. He contrasted the rejection with Morocco's swift assistance to Portugal and Spain during similar fire crises, arguing that the decision reflects weakness and unwillingness to acknowledge Algeria's own logistical limitations.