Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune marks a year in office on Saturday, but he has not been seen since he travelled to Germany more than six weeks ago to be treated for coronavirus.
The president’s office issued a statement on November 30 that said Mr Tebboune had left a specialised medical facility, was continuing his convalescence and should be return home “in the coming days”.
The statement gave rise to questions about 75-year-old Mr Tebboune, his whereabouts and his health. The name of clinic where he was treated was not made public.
The absence of the head of state, who also serves as defence chief, recalled the long absences of his predecessor. Abdelaziz Bouteflika went to France for treatment after a stroke in 2013 and later travelled to Switzerland for medical check-ups. There was a lot of speculation and little information on his condition.
Mr Bouteflika rarely appeared in public but continued to rule. He was forced to abandon his bid for a fifth term last year before being pushed from office under pressure from street protests and the powerful army.
Mr Tebboune left for Germany on October 28.
“I sincerely expected him to give us a surprise by returning home today for the first anniversary of his election. It’s the ideal timing,” Hassiba Aoudia, a retired French teacher said on Friday evening. She was a member of Mr Tebboune’s group of supporters when he was a candidate.
Prime Minister Abdelaziz Djerad has been in charge during Mr Tebboune's absence, conspicuous as the country struggles with an economy made worse by the coronavirus and other problems.
Constitutional law professor Fatiha Benabou said there was no date limiting the time Mr Tebboune can be away.
"Authorities have a large margin for manoeuvre," she said. "But on a political level, the absence of the president, who embodies the essential powers, is a problem."
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
HOW TO WATCH
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THE SPECS
Engine: 1.5-litre
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Power: 110 horsepower
Torque: 147Nm
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On sale: now
Racecard
2pm Handicap Dh 90,000 1,800m
2.30pm Handicap Dh120,000 1,950m
3pm Handicap Dh105,000 1,600m
3.30pm Jebel Ali Classic Conditions Dh300,000 1,400m
4pm Maiden Dh75,000 1,600m
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The National selections:
2pm Arch Gold
2.30pm Conclusion
3pm Al Battar
3.30pm Golden Jaguar
4pm Al Motayar
4.30pm Tapi Sioux
5pm Leadership
5.30pm Dahawi
PSA DUBAI WORLD SERIES FINALS LINE-UP
Men’s:
Mohamed El Shorbagy (EGY)
Ali Farag (EGY)
Simon Rosner (GER)
Tarek Momen (EGY)
Miguel Angel Rodriguez (COL)
Gregory Gaultier (FRA)
Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY)
Nick Matthew (ENG)
Women's:
Nour El Sherbini (EGY)
Raneem El Welily (EGY)
Nour El Tayeb (EGY)
Laura Massaro (ENG)
Joelle King (NZE)
Camille Serme (FRA)
Nouran Gohar (EGY)
Sarah-Jane Perry (ENG)
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Isle of Dogs
Director: Wes Anderson
Starring: Bryan Cranston, Liev Schreiber, Ed Norton, Greta Gerwig, Bill Murray, Jeff Goldblum, Scarlett Johansson
Three stars
Zimbabwe v UAE, ODI series
All matches at the Harare Sports Club:
1st ODI, Wednesday, April 10
2nd ODI, Friday, April 12
3rd ODI, Sunday, April 14
4th ODI, Tuesday, April 16
UAE squad: Mohammed Naveed (captain), Rohan Mustafa, Ashfaq Ahmed, Shaiman Anwar, Mohammed Usman, CP Rizwan, Chirag Suri, Mohammed Boota, Ghulam Shabber, Sultan Ahmed, Imran Haider, Amir Hayat, Zahoor Khan, Qadeer Ahmed
UAE squad
Esha Oza (captain), Al Maseera Jahangir, Emily Thomas, Heena Hotchandani, Indhuja Nandakumar, Katie Thompson, Lavanya Keny, Mehak Thakur, Michelle Botha, Rinitha Rajith, Samaira Dharnidharka, Siya Gokhale, Sashikala Silva, Suraksha Kotte, Theertha Satish (wicketkeeper) Udeni Kuruppuarachchige, Vaishnave Mahesh.
UAE tour of Zimbabwe
All matches in Bulawayo
Friday, Sept 26 – First ODI
Sunday, Sept 28 – Second ODI
Tuesday, Sept 30 – Third ODI
Thursday, Oct 2 – Fourth ODI
Sunday, Oct 5 – First T20I
Monday, Oct 6 – Second T20I
Scorline
Iraq 1-0 UAE
Iraq Hussein 28’
