Algeria Cuts Ties With UAE, Citing Hostile Actions

Algeria announced on Thursday it is severing diplomatic relations with the United Arab Emirates amid prolonged tensions between the two nations. The UAE's ambassador was summoned to the Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and informed of the decision, being given 48 hours to leave the country. An Algerian statement accused Abu Dhabi of "provocative and hostile actions."

The decision follows a gradual deterioration of relations, fueled by regional disputes and Algerian accusations of UAE interference in its internal affairs. Anwar Gargash, the UAE President's diplomatic advisor, commented that successful diplomacy depends on clear positions and effective management of interests and disputes, without directly mentioning Algeria or the severed ties.

Several deep-seated disagreements underpin the crisis. Algeria opposes normalization with Israel, a move embraced by the UAE and Morocco through the 2020 Abraham Accords. Another major point of contention is Western Sahara, where the UAE supports Morocco's sovereignty claim and maintains a consulate, while Algeria backs the Polisario Front seeking an independent state.

Competition has also intensified in the Sahel region, with the UAE expanding ties with regional governments while Algeria's relations with some southern neighbors have weakened following military coups. Signs of the rift emerged last year when Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune alluded to strained relations with one Gulf state, which was widely interpreted as referring to the UAE, accusing it of internal interference and destabilization efforts.

In February, Algeria initiated the process of canceling its air services agreement with the UAE, signed in May 2013. The current diplomatic rupture marks a significant escalation of the ongoing crisis.