In an exclusive interview with public television, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune addressed critical issues ranging from border security to economic achievements, delivering Algeria's strongest position yet on the Wagner Group's regional presence.

Key Security Declarations:

1. Wagner Group Ultimatum:

   • "Algeria categorically rejects any Wagner mercenary presence near our borders"

   • Formal notification sent to Russian authorities

   • Warning: "We won't tolerate any territorial approach attempts"

2. Counterterrorism Leadership:

   • Positioned Algeria as "the premier counterterrorism academy in the region"

   • Cited hard-won expertise from the 1990s "Black Decade" crisis

   • Confirmed readiness to assist Sahel nations in combating terrorism

3. Military Readiness:

   • "Our powerful military can neutralize terrorist threats from any direction"

Mali Crisis Analysis:

• Expressed frustration with Bamako's military junta:
  » Abandoned 2015 Algiers Peace Accord (signed under UN/AU auspices)
  » Failed to integrate northern armed groups per agreement
  » Five coups since independence without resolving north-south divisions

• Maintained Algeria's non-interference policy while advocating for inclusive dialogue

Economic Highlights:
✔ $70 billion in foreign exchange reserves
✔ 4% GDP growth – highest in Mediterranean region
✔ Agricultural milestone:

• First durum wheat self-sufficiency in 63 years

• Targeting self-sufficiency in soft wheat, corn, and barley

• $38 billion estimated agricultural output (nearing hydrocarbons revenue)

Strategic Context:
The statement comes as:

• Wagner consolidates control in northern Mali

• Terrorist activity surges across the Sahel

• Algeria positions itself as regional stabilizer