Algeria cuts diplomatic ties with the United Arab Emirates

In a statement broadcast by Algerian public television, Algeria accuses the United Arab Emirates of engaging in a series of “provocative or hostile” actions. The ministry did not specify the exact incidents that led to this decision but claimed to have repeatedly warned the Emirati side about the consequences of what it deemed “regrettable and unjustified” behavior.

Emirati authorities had not publicly responded immediately, according to Reuters and the Associated Press. The break marks a significant deterioration in relations between Algiers and Abu Dhabi, which had already been strained by diplomatic disagreements over several regional issues.

Tensions had notably surfaced in February when Algeria initiated the process to terminate the air services agreement established with the United Arab Emirates in 2013. President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has also increased his criticisms of Abu Dhabi’s influence in various regional crises in recent months.

Disagreements on several regional issues

Algeria and Abu Dhabi hold differing positions on various matters concerning the Arab world and the Maghreb. Algeria remains opposed to normalization with Israel, while the United Arab Emirates established diplomatic relations with the Hebrew state in 2020 as part of the Abraham Accords.

Western Sahara represents another point of contention. Algeria supports the Polisario Front and the principle of self-determination for the territory, whereas the United Arab Emirates backs Morocco’s position on Western Sahara. The two countries have also displayed differing approaches to certain crises in the Sahel and North Africa.

On September 7, during the Arab League Council meeting in Cairo, Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf reaffirmed Algeria’s stance in favor of national and inclusive solutions to Arab crises, free from external interference. This statement came three days before the announcement of the break with Abu Dhabi.

Over fifty years of diplomatic representation

The decision ends more than half a century of diplomatic representation between the two countries. According to the Emirati Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the UAE embassy in Algiers was opened on August 7, 1974, following the establishment of official relations between the two states.