Why Algeria Severed Diplomatic Relations With the UAE

Algeria’s decision to sever diplomatic relations with the United Arab Emirates on September 10 marks the culmination of years of tensions, according to a former Algerian ambassador who argues that Abu Dhabi repeatedly crossed Algeria’s political and strategic red lines.

The move follows what the author describes as a prolonged pattern of interference in Algeria’s internal affairs, regional positioning, and bilateral economic relations.

The dispute, according to the former ambassador, is rooted first in what he characterizes as repeated Emirati interference in Algeria’s domestic affairs. The author points to Abu Dhabi’s alleged support for the Movement for the Self-Determination of Kabylie (MAK), which Algeria classifies as a terrorist organization, as one of the most serious examples. The invitation of representatives of the movement to international forums is described as effectively granting recognition to actors seeking the partition of Algerian territory.

The former ambassador also accuses the UAE of providing refuge and protection to Algerian figures wanted by the country’s justice system over financial crimes. In his assessment, Abu Dhabi’s role has gone beyond ordinary diplomatic relations by creating what he describes as a sanctuary for individuals accused of corruption, embezzlement, and other forms of economic wrongdoing.

The tensions also extend to the broader regional balance of power. The author argues that the UAE has become an operational ally of what he calls the Rabat–Tel Aviv axis, pointing to military cooperation, intelligence ties, and alleged transfers of military technology and equipment intended to strengthen Morocco’s capabilities.

This alignment, the former ambassador argues, is closely linked to the normalization agreements established in 2020. The United Arab Emirates and Morocco both normalized relations with Israel that year, creating a framework for closer security and strategic cooperation between Abu Dhabi, Rabat, and Tel Aviv. From the author’s perspective, this convergence has increasingly affected Algeria’s security environment and regional interests.

The Sahel represents another major area of concern. The former ambassador argues that the UAE has sought to expand its influence across Algeria’s strategic southern neighborhood through investments, economic initiatives, and relationships with regional actors. He characterizes these efforts as an attempt to weaken Algeria’s traditional influence in the Sahel while reinforcing Morocco’s position in the region.

The author further criticizes several bilateral economic projects involving the UAE, arguing that initiatives presented as partnerships for development have instead been associated with opaque networks and alleged corruption. He maintains that private interests and the misuse of public resources have undermined the national interest.

Against this backdrop, the former ambassador presents Algeria’s decision to sever diplomatic relations as the result of accumulated grievances rather than a single dispute. He argues that Algeria maintained restraint for years out of a desire to preserve Arab unity and avoid further regional divisions, but that continued actions by Abu Dhabi ultimately made the relationship unsustainable.

For the author, the diplomatic break therefore represents a clear message that Algeria will not compromise on what it considers its internal stability, territorial integrity, strategic interests, or the security and prosperity of its population.