Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has said his country will not tolerate any terrorist threat targeting neighbouring Tunisia, stressing that Algeria would respond firmly to any attempt to undermine its security.
In excerpts released by the Algerian presidency from Tebboune’s regular meeting with the media, the president said Algeria would take a hard line against anyone threatening Tunisia.
“Algeria will not be lenient with any terrorist threat targeting Tunisia,” Tebboune said, using a forceful local expression to warn that anyone who threatens the country would face severe consequences.
His remarks came amid heightened political tensions between Tunisia and France following a television interview broadcast by France 24 with former interim Tunisian president Moncef Marzouki.
Tunisia summoned French Ambassador Anne Guéguen to deliver a strongly worded protest over the interview, accusing foreign media platforms of providing a platform for Tunisian opposition figures and individuals wanted by the judiciary.
During the France 24 interview, Marzouki called on Tunisians to take to the streets on Saturday to bring down President Kais Saied.
Tunisia’s Foreign Ministry said the remarks represented interference in the country’s sovereignty, a threat to national security and state institutions, and an explicit call for unrest and internal conflict.