“Don’t Go to Iraq”: Algerians Urge President Tebboune to Skip Baghdad Summit Over Security Fears

Watan-A widespread hashtag titled “Don’t Go to Iraq” has been circulating on social media in Algeria, directly addressing the country’s President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. This comes just days after he received an official invitation to attend the Arab League summit scheduled for mid-May in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad.

The hashtag urges the Algerian president to avoid attending the summit, citing concerns expressed by activists and citizens about the security and political situation in Iraq. It also draws on painful historical memories still present in Algerian collective consciousness—particularly related to the late president Houari Boumédiène, considered one of the most influential leaders in Algeria’s post-independence history.

The campaign was sparked by the circulation of a video clip featuring an Algerian woman pleading with President Tebboune not to travel to Iraq. In her emotional appeal, she referenced two key incidents: first, the death of former President Boumédiène, who—according to widely circulated accounts—fell ill with a mysterious disease after a visit to Iraq in 1978, a visit some have later linked to a poisoning conspiracy, though no conclusive evidence exists. The second incident concerns the tragedy that befell former Foreign Minister Mohamed Seddik Benyahia, who was mediating peace talks during the Iraq-Iran war, when his plane was shot down under suspicious circumstances in 1982—allegedly by an Iraqi missile.

Social Media Warns: Iraq Is a Danger Zone

Notably, a large number of social media pages and commentators joined in support of the hashtag, arguing that Iraq remains a dangerous zone, rife with foreign intelligence agencies and complex internal strife.

Mohamed El-Mahdi wrote: “When the President of Algeria steps onto Iraqi soil, he’s not entering a fully sovereign state, but rather a gray area where global intelligence agencies are at war.” He added, “Everyone’s got their finger on the trigger, and everyone’s looking for a live broadcast moment that could ignite the Middle East,” warning of potential assassinations with unknown perpetrators and no accountability. He ended his post with a prayer for Algeria’s safety.

One user wrote: “Mr. President, ‘Uncle Tebboune’ (a nickname commonly used by his supporters), your people are telling you not to go to Iraq. We smell betrayal and treachery from those who normalize relations [with Israel] and despise men who support the Palestinian cause,” citing Boumédiène’s deteriorating health following his visits to Iraq and Syria.

Another commentator posted: “We don’t want to relive what happened to the leader Houari Boumédiène—may God rest his soul. May God protect President Tebboune. The Algerian people don’t want you to go to Iraq, so please heed their plea.” One person even warned against what he called “the French enemy” and the Israeli Mossad, suggesting these entities might exploit Iraq’s situation to target President Tebboune over his recent positions on regional issues.

Torn Between Fear and Diplomacy

Mahmoud Jabri wrote: “Don’t go, Mr. President, please. Don’t take even a 1% risk. The country needs you more than ever. We are not ready for any adventure or gamble involving you. Our hopes are pinned on you to lead Algeria to safety—economically, politically, and militarily.”

On the other hand, some voices cautioned against blindly following the campaign, warning that it could harm the improving bilateral relations between Algeria and Iraq in recent years.

These voices pointed out that Iraqi President Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid was among the first leaders to attend the 2022 Algiers summit, where he praised the organization and the fraternal ties between the two nations. He also participated in the Gas Summit hosted by Algeria in March 2024. Some also emphasized the importance of not letting past mistakes dictate current policies, stressing that Iraq is a fellow Arab nation and Algeria should maintain a strong presence in its political and diplomatic orbit.

In this context, Bouziane Merhouni posted a brief message: “Mr. President, don’t take a risk by going to Iraq. We don’t hate Iraq, but we fear for you.” This sentiment reflects a broader view held by many Algerians—expressing respect for Iraq while harboring concern over the surrounding security and political landscape.

If President Abdelmadjid Tebboune does go through with the visit, it would mark the first time an Algerian president visits Iraq in decades, at a time when the Arab region is going through complex challenges. Meanwhile, the hashtag “Don’t Go to Iraq” continues to gain traction and stir debate, in an era where social media platforms are exerting real pressure on leaders and their decisions.