Jijel: Wildfires that swept through northeastern Algeria in late August have led to a mass burial, raising questions about the actual death toll, as authorities have not updated the numbers since August 26. The fires, which have been called ‘Black Wednesday’ by local residents, caused significant devastation in the Jijel region, with disinformation spreading on social media platforms, particularly from Moroccan accounts.
According to France24.com, a TikTok live video shared on August 27 captured the somber scene of a mass grave being prepared after sundown, with approximately 20 men present. The narrator, speaking in Algerian Arabic, described the tragic aftermath, noting that many people were still searching for their missing family members in towns such as El Ancer, Texenna, and El Milia, all located in the Jijel province, which was heavily affected by the fires.
The person who filmed the TikTok video is a young resident of Jijel, known for posting about sports and fitness before pivoting to document the wildfire’s impact. The mass grave was located in Djemaa Beni Habibi, a small town 30 kilometers east of Jijel. The US space agency NASA’s FIRMS site confirmed that the fires reached these areas between August 26 and 27.
Despite the Algerian Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb and several government officials attending the burial, no official death toll has been released. However, local sources have provided insights into the human cost. On August 27, the village of Djemaa Beni Habibi posted statements listing the names of wildfire victims recorded by hospitals, which helped identify 72 names, according to the FRANCE 24 Observers team.
The discrepancy between official and on-the-ground reports highlights a significant gap in information. The initial death toll given by the Ministry of the Interior was 12, with 54 injured, but local evidence suggests it is much higher. An Algerian congressman reported 19 family members dying in El Ancer alone, while numerous local media and family accounts indicate nearly 130 victims. Journalist Nozha Khelalef documented more than 200 names, and Pan-African media outlet Jeune Afrique quoted sources claiming 385 fatalities, with more missing.
Efforts to obtain updated information from the Algerian Civil Defence have been unsuccessful, leaving the full extent of the tragedy uncertain. Meanwhile, pro-Morocco social media accounts have exploited the lack of information, spreading misleading narratives about the events. One account falsely claimed burials took place secretly at night, while in reality, the funerals were attended by many, including officials and dignitaries, during daylight.
As the region continues to grapple with the aftermath of ‘Black Wednesday,’ the absence of clear communication from authorities has fueled misinformation and heightened geopolitical tensions.