Algeria Cuts Ties With UAE Over "Hostile Actions"

Algeria has announced the severance of diplomatic relations with the United Arab Emirates, citing "provocative and hostile actions" and interference in its internal affairs. The Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the UAE ambassador to inform him of the decision, stating that all avenues for preserving bilateral relations had been exhausted. The ministry declared that the UAE's actions had reached an unacceptable and intolerable point, and that Algeria had made significant efforts to warn the Emirati side of the consequences of its "regrettable and unjustified behavior."

Observers note a recent deterioration in relations, with Algerian media heavily criticizing the UAE and accusing it of sowing regional discord. The two nations have diverged on key regional issues. Algeria opposes normalization with Israel, while the UAE, alongside Algeria's regional rival Morocco, established ties with Israel in 2020 under the US-brokered Abraham Accords. The Algerian leadership positions itself as a staunch defender of the Palestinian cause in Africa, openly supporting Hamas and other Palestinian factions, and has not recognized Israel since its inception.

Further complicating the relationship, Algeria and the UAE are in conflict over geopolitical influence in the Sahel region. Algeria accuses the UAE of financially supporting coups and anti-Algerian forces in Sahelian countries like Mali and Niger, which it views as a threat to its security.