Algerian Radio
On Thursday, the President of the Republic, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and Minister of National Defense, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, presided over the graduation ceremony at the "Late President Houari Boumediene" Military Academy of Cherchell. According to a statement from the Ministry of National Defense, the event marked the graduation of the 57th class of Basic Training, the 19th class of Joint Basic Military Training, and the 10th class of Master's degree officers.
The statement noted that the President was accompanied by General Saïd Chengriha, Minister Delegate to the Minister of National Defense and Chief of Staff of the People's National Army. Upon his arrival at the academy's main entrance, he was received by the Lieutenant General, Commander of the Land Forces, and the Major General, Commander of the Cherchell Military Academy. Following the welcoming ceremony, the President listened to the national anthem and received honors rendered by formations of various forces of the People's National Army. He then greeted his hosts, including the Secretary-General of the Ministry of National Defense, Force Commanders, the Director of the Cabinet at the Ministry of National Defense, and the Commander of the 1st Military Region.
At the academy's entrance, the President of the Republic stood in a moment of silence to honor the memory of the late President Houari Boumediene, whose name the academy bears. He laid a wreath of flowers at the commemorative monument and recited the Fatiha for his pure soul. Afterwards, he attended a presentation about the academy, detailing its training programs and the graduating classes.
Subsequently, at the Flag Square, the statement added, the President presided over the graduation ceremony for the 2025-2026 academic year. The event began with the inspection of the military formations lined up at the square. Following this, General Saïd Chengriha delivered a speech, thanking the President for honoring the academy by presiding over the ceremony, which coincides with the festivities commemorating the 64th anniversary of Independence Day and the recovery of national sovereignty.
"The graduation of the academy's classes coincides with the celebrations of Independence Day and the recovery of national sovereignty. This reflects our constant dedication to anchoring the legacy of our national history, rich in epics and heroism," General Chengriha stated. "It provides a strong moral boost that enables the People's National Army to continue our triumphant march, following in the footsteps of our valiant ancestors of the National Liberation Army, who paved the way to freedom and independence with their pure bodies."
In the same context, the General emphasized that the personnel of the People's National Army, under the wise leadership of the President of the Republic, are continuing their triumphant march: "In the recent past, they made ultimate sacrifices to preserve the State, its republican system, and its democratic nature. Through immense sacrifices, they managed to defeat barbaric terrorism, eradicate its alien ideology, and thwart its dark project, which nearly destroyed the pillars of the national state, were it not for the unwavering determination of the brave men of our army and our valiant security services."
For his part, the Commander of the Academy highlighted the graduation of a new elite of People's National Army officers. He noted that they have received high-quality military and scientific training, refined by exemplary military conduct, a strong patriotic spirit, and a willingness to sacrifice for the homeland, making them fully prepared to carry out their future duties with utmost competence.
After the graduates took the oath, the President of the Republic awarded ranks and distributed diplomas to the top achievers. He handed the diploma to the top graduate of the Master's course, awarded the rank of Lieutenant to the top graduate of the Basic Training while presenting him with the academy's sword, and handed the diploma to the top graduate of the Joint Basic Military Training from friendly and brotherly countries. He then allowed his accompanying delegation to award ranks and diplomas to the other top achievers.
The ceremony continued with the graduating class of active officer cadets handing over the academy's flag to the incoming class. The top graduate of the 57th Basic Training class then requested the President's approval to name the graduating class after the late President and Moudjahid Liamine Zéroual, followed by a brief biographical presentation on the late leader.
Following this, the military formations cleared the Flag Square to take their starting positions for the parade. This made way for sports exhibitions featuring close combat, Karate, Kung Fu, Taekwondo, and synchronized group exercises with and without weapons. The display also included bodybuilding routines, jumping through rings of fire, forming tableaus featuring the national colors, and a demonstrative combat exercise executed by a mixed detachment of academy cadets.
The graduation ceremony also featured the participation of the Air Force, with aerial displays by fighter jet formations and mid-air refueling demonstrations. Through a giant screen, the President then watched a live broadcast of demonstrative exercises conducted at sea by the Naval Forces, simulating the search and interception of a suspicious vessel within the framework of a maritime interdiction operation.
Subsequently, following a parachute jumping exhibition, the flag color guard advanced, followed by formations of active officer cadets conducting a military parade to the rhythm of military music performed by the Republican Guard band.
At the "Chahid Didouche Mourad" Pedagogical Complex, the President of the Republic reviewed the scientific exhibition prepared by the graduating cadets.
Finally, the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, honored the family of the late President and Moudjahid Liamine Zéroual before signing the academy's Golden Book, according to the Ministry of National Defense's statement.
