Wildfires & Public Safety: Algeria has arrested four people over alleged forest-fire sabotage in Constantine, with prosecutors citing video footage and placing suspects in pretrial detention while investigations continue. Heatwave Response: The Culture Ministry has suspended all August 2026 festive festivals nationwide as record temperatures and ongoing blazes threaten public safety, with civil protection, forestry services and medical teams still deployed. Energy Strain: North Africa is seeing power blackouts amid extreme heat, highlighting infrastructure stress and fuel supply gaps affecting countries including Algeria. Diplomacy in the Sahel: Algeria and Mali have fully reopened airspace and moved to restore relations after a long rupture, signaling a pragmatic shift as security risks spill across borders. Football & WAFCON Build-up: CAF raised Women’s Africa Cup of Nations winners’ prize money to $2m ahead of Morocco 2026, with Algeria set to play in Rabat. Algeria in the Spotlight: FIFA highlighted standout African performers at the 2026 World Cup, including players from Morocco, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire and Cape Verde. Sports Careers: Algeria defender Aïssa Mandi announced his retirement from international football after representing the national team at the 2026 World Cup.