Algiers: President Abdelmadjid Tebboune received retired Russian Colonel Andrei Pavlenko, a former demining expert, who significantly contributed to Algeria’s efforts in clearing landmines left by French colonial forces during the Liberation Revolution.
According to Algeria Press Service, Algeria has managed to clear 9 million of the 11 million landmines initially planted, with two million mines exploding during destructive operations, causing injuries to numerous Algerians. In 2023, President Tebboune honored Pavlenko with the National Order of Merit during a visit to the Russian Federation, acknowledging his vital contributions to these efforts.
In 2024, Pavlenko received further recognition from General Said Chanegriha, Minister Delegate to the Minister of National Defence and Chief of Staff of the People’s National Army (PNA), for his significant role in training operational demining teams. The recent reception with President Tebboune was attended by General Chanegriha and Boualem Boualem, the Principa
l Private Secretary at the Presidency of the Republic.