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Algeria has officially severed diplomatic ties with the United Arab Emirates, citing what it described as provocative and hostile actions. The Algerian Foreign Ministry announced the decision on Thursday, stating that the government had exhausted all efforts to maintain bilateral relations despite repeated warnings.
As part of the diplomatic break, Algeria has summoned the UAE ambassador and provided a 48-hour window for compliance with the decision. According to reports from Ennahar TV, Algeria intends to close its airspace to all UAE-registered civilian and military aircraft starting Friday. However, commercial flights operating to and from Algiers will be permitted to use Algerian airspace until the expiration of current contracts at the end of 2026.
In response to the announcement, the UAE Foreign Ministry stated on social media that it hopes the decision will be temporary. The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to developing relations with all nations to promote shared interests and cooperation.
The diplomatic rift follows years of tension regarding regional policies. A primary point of contention is the UAE’s 2020 normalization of relations with Israel, a move Algeria has consistently opposed. Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has maintained that his country will not normalize relations with Israel until a Palestinian state is established.
Further friction has arisen from the UAE’s increasing influence in the Sahel region, where Algeria has expressed concerns regarding regional stability. Algeria has also accused the UAE of meddling in its internal affairs. President Tebboune has publicly criticized the UAE’s regional role, alleging that the country’s involvement has contributed to instability in various areas.
Additionally, the two nations hold opposing positions on the status of Western Sahara. The UAE supports Morocco’s claim to the territory, while Algeria provides support to the Polisario Front, which seeks independence for the region.
Article and image source: allafrica.com
