Algeria Formally Phases Out French in Official Use

(MENAFN) Amidst increasing friction with France, Algerian institutions are formally phasing out the use of French in their official and administrative documents and communications, opting for Arabic and English instead.

The Algerian football federation announced on Thursday that it has directed all its associated organizations to "Arabize" their operations, correspondences, and communications.

According to the federation, an official directive issued on May 7th by Secretary-General Nazir Poznad requires to "Arabize" the minutes and reports from disciplinary committees, referee assignments, and the appeals committee. The directive mandates the immediate adoption of Arabic in all communications with various bodies and partners.

The federation stated that this "Arabization" will be fully in effect by the 2025-2026 sports season.

This development aligns with Algeria's recent decision to change the language of medical studies in its universities from French to English, set to begin in the next academic year.

Last month, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune supported this change, calling the move from French to English in medical education "the right decision."

The diplomatic relationship between Algeria and France remains strained, largely due to unresolved issues related to France's colonial rule in Algeria from 1830 to 1962.

French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau previously commented that Algeria's intention to replace French with English in its education system is a contributing factor to the current diplomatic difficulties.

Analysts suggest that Algeria began the gradual process of abandoning French in official contexts around 2019.

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