Algeria Cuts Diplomatic Ties with UAE Over Alleged Provocative Actions

Algeria has decided to sever diplomatic relations with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), accusing Abu Dhabi of carrying out a series of provocative actions, Reuters reported.

Algeria’s Foreign Ministry announced the decision on Thursday, saying the UAE had continued its alleged activities despite repeated warnings from Algiers.

In a statement, the ministry said the UAE’s actions had reached a point where they could no longer be considered acceptable or tolerable. It added that all possible avenues for maintaining bilateral relations had been exhausted.

The UAE ambassador to Algeria was summoned to the Foreign Ministry on Thursday and given 48 hours to implement the decision to sever diplomatic ties.

The UAE Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment.

Relations Have Deteriorated

Relations between Algeria and the UAE have become increasingly strained in recent years. Algerian media outlets have repeatedly criticised the UAE, accusing it of attempting to fuel regional divisions.

The two countries also hold sharply different positions on several regional issues. Algeria opposes normalisation of relations with Israel, while the UAE established diplomatic ties with Israel in 2020 under the US-brokered Abraham Accords.

Morocco, Algeria’s regional rival, also normalised relations with Israel under the same accords.

The two countries have further diverged over the long-running Western Sahara dispute. The UAE supports Morocco’s claim to sovereignty over Western Sahara and has opened a consulate there.

Algeria, meanwhile, supports the Polisario Front, which seeks independence for Western Sahara.

Rival Interests in the Sahel

Their competing interests have also increasingly extended into the Sahel region in recent years.

The UAE has expanded its ties with several governments across the region, while Algeria’s relations with some of its southern neighbours have deteriorated following a series of military coups.

The growing rivalry over regional influence has added another layer of tension to already strained relations between Algiers and Abu Dhabi.