Algeria has severed diplomatic relations with the United Arab Emirates, citing exhaustion of all means to preserve bilateral ties and accusing the UAE of hostile actions and sowing regional discord. The move follows criticism from Algerian media outlets and a thinly veiled reference by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune last October.
The severing of diplomatic ties and cancellation of an air services agreement between Algeria and the UAE signals a significant escalation in regional tensions, potentially impacting geopolitical alliances and economic cooperation in North Africa and the Middle East.
Algeria has decided to sever diplomatic relations with the United Arab Emirates, according to Algerian state TV. The move comes after what Algeria described as the exhaustion of all means to preserve bilateral ties. While the immediate reason was not clear, Algerian media outlets have previously criticized the UAE, accusing it of attempting to sow regional discord and interfere in Algeria's internal affairs.
Further compounding the strained relationship, Algeria has also begun the process of cancelling its air services agreement with the UAE, signed in 2013. Algerian state-owned radio reported that the termination procedures under the agreement would involve formal notification through diplomatic channels and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
Reports from Algerian media, including El-Khabar, suggest that the UAE is suspected of supporting the Movement for the Autonomy of Kabylia (MAK), a separatist group designated as a terrorist organization by Algiers. These reports also mention ongoing investigations in France concerning alleged financing of MAK leaders through a non-profit cultural association.
In October of the previous year, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune made a thinly veiled criticism of Abu Dhabi, stating that Algeria's relations with all Gulf states were warm except for one, citing interference in internal issues and destabilization efforts. Official circles in Algeria have also accused the UAE embassy and its ambassador of "suspicious moves" and being "on a mission to destabilize" the country.