Is Algeria Heading Towards Revamping Its Military Doctrine?

The draft constitutional amendment proposed by the Presidency of the Republic for discussion included amendments that allow sending units of the army abroad on terms that is an option that has been prohibited since the 1970s and represents one of the principles of the Algerian military doctrine.

The proposed draft retained the text of Article 28 of the current constitution (became Article 30) that defines the tasks of the National People’s Army (ANP) as it organizes the defense, support, and development of the nation around the People’s National Army .. The permanent task of the National People’s Army is to preserve national independence, and to defend National sovereignty.

 … The ANP also undertakes to defend the unity of the country, its territorial integrity, and the protection of its land and airspace, and the various areas of its maritime property.

As for Article 29, which has become (Article 31), it states: Algeria abstains from resorting to war in order to violate the legitimate sovereignty and freedom of other peoples and  strives to settle international disputes by peaceful means.

Another paragraph was added to this article stating: “Algeria within the framework of the United Nations, the African Union and the Arab League, and in full compliance with its principles and objectives, can participate in peace-keeping and restoration operations.”

This proposed amendment is a shift in the Algerian military doctrine that, since the 1970s, has prevented sending military units abroad, according to a constitutional text.

And in the new amendments in its Article 95 (currently 91) also, it is stated that the President of the Republic who is in charge of the national defense “decides to send army units abroad after the approval of Parliament by a two-thirds majority of its members.”

This file was the subject of much discussion during recent years in thepolitical arena, as Algeria refused to get involved in several Arab and regional military alliances during the past years due to the military doctrine that prevents joining any operation outside the national borders.