Algeria has severed diplomatic relations with the United Arab Emirates, citing a series of provocative and hostile actions by Abu Dhabi that Algiers says exhausted all means of preserving bilateral ties, according to the Algerian foreign ministry.
Algeria Summons Emirati Ambassador Over Hostile Actions
According to state announcements, the Emirati ambassador was summoned to the ministry, informed of the decision, and given 48 hours to leave the country. The move follows years of mounting friction between Algiers and Abu Dhabi across multiple diplomatic flashpoints.
Did you know? Algerian President Abdelmajid Tebboune publicly referred to the UAE in a July televised interview as a “micro-state” or “statelet,” asserting that the country’s regional interventions have carried a “very negative impact.”
Diverging Positions on Israel and Western Sahara
Relations between the two North African and Gulf nations have strained sharply over conflicting foreign policy stances. Algeria firmly opposes normalization of ties with Israel. Conversely, the UAE—alongside Algeria’s regional rival Morocco—established diplomatic relations with Israel in 2020 under the United States-brokered Abraham Accords.
The territorial dispute over Western Sahara serves as another major division. The UAE backs Morocco’s claim of sovereignty over the contested territory and maintains a consulate there. Meanwhile, Algeria provides backing to the Polisario Front, which campaigns for an independent Western Sahara.
Clashing Interests in the Sahel Region
Beyond North Africa, geopolitical competition between the two governments has expanded into the Sahel. The UAE has strengthened ties with several regional governments over recent years. At the same time, Algeria’s relationships with its southern neighbors have grown tense following a succession of military coups.
President Tebboune stated in July that a diplomatic rupture would have occurred much earlier had Algiers not sought to prevent deeper fractures within the Arab world. Citing regional instability, Tebboune remarked during a televised interview, “Wherever they set foot, blood flows,” adding that Algeria wanted Abu Dhabi to stay away to prevent conflict at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Algeria cut ties with the UAE?
Algeria cited a series of provocative and hostile actions by Abu Dhabi, alongside fundamental disagreements on regional issues including normalization with Israel, the Western Sahara dispute, and influence in the Sahel.
How much time was the Emirati ambassador given to leave?
According to the Algerian foreign ministry, the UAE ambassador was given 48 hours to comply with the expulsion order following the diplomatic summons.
What is the UAE’s position on Western Sahara?
The UAE supports Morocco’s claim of sovereignty over Western Sahara and maintains a consulate in the territory, placing it in direct opposition to Algeria’s backing of the Polisario Front.
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