Algiers: Algeria severed diplomatic ties with the United Arab Emirates on Thursday, citing what it described as “provocative and hostile acts.” The Algerian Defense Ministry announced the closure of its airspace to the UAE starting Friday, although commercial flights to and from Algiers will be allowed to continue until the end of 2026.
According to Deutsche Welle, relations between the two countries have been strained for years due to the UAE’s expanding influence in northern and western Africa. The Algerian Foreign Ministry stated that the decision was made “after exhausting all avenues to preserve bilateral relations” with the Gulf country. It further noted that the UAE’s persistent actions had reached a point where they were no longer acceptable or tolerable, and the UAE’s ambassador was given 48 hours to comply with the decision to cut ties.
The Emirati Foreign Ministry expressed hope that the decision would be temporary and emphasized its appreciation for the Algerian people, highlighting the bonds shared through the Algerian community residing in the UAE and Algerian visitors. Anwar Gargash, the diplomatic advisor to UAE leader Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, commented that diplomatic relations should be based on rationality, communication, and clarity of interests.
Algeria has previously accused the UAE of destabilizing countries in northern Africa and the Sahel, including Libya, Mali, and Sudan. The UAE has been implicated in supporting the RSF paramilitary in Sudan’s civil war, a charge it denies, and backs former warlord Khalifa Haftar’s administration in eastern Libya, which rivals the UN-recognized government in Tripoli.
In July, Algerian President Abdelmajid Tebboune criticized the UAE for its influence in other countries, stating, “wherever they set foot, blood flows,” and expressed a desire for them to stay away to prevent bloodshed in Algeria. Algeria also severed diplomatic ties with neighboring Morocco in 2021, accusing Rabat of supporting Amazigh separatists in the coastal Kabylia region and amid longstanding tensions over the territory of Western Sahara.