Algeria draws a red line in the face of Emirati ambitions

On September 10, Algeria severed diplomatic relations with the United Arab Emirates. A heavy decision, extremely rare between two Arab countries, but which sanctions several years of tensions, suspicions and increasingly deep differences. The Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs claims to have “exhausted all avenues” to preserve the relationship between the two countries. Algiers evokes acts considered hostile and now considers that its strategic interests and national security are at stake. In other words: the time for diplomatic precautions is over.

Israel, Morocco, Western Sahara: the fractures have become irreconcilable

For several years, the United Arab Emirates has considerably extended its influence beyond the Gulf. Africa, Maghreb, Horn of Africa, Red Sea: Abu Dhabi deploys its capital, its alliances and its diplomatic relays in a region that has become an immense terrain of rivalries. It is precisely this strategy that Algeria views with growing suspicion. In the Algerian media and political debate, accusations of Emirati interference have multiplied. Algiers considers in particular that certain initiatives by Abu Dhabi directly contradict its regional interests. The Emirati authorities dispute these accusations and deny pursuing a hostile policy towards Algeria.

The first divide is obviously Palestinian.

The Emirates was one of the main architects of the Abraham Accords and normalized relations with Israel in 2020. Since then, Abu Dhabi has built significant economic, diplomatic and strategic cooperation with Tel Aviv. Algeria made exactly the opposite choice. Algiers refuses normalization with Israel and continues to place the Palestinian question at the heart of its diplomacy. On this issue, it is no longer simple nuances that separate the two capitals, but two profoundly different geopolitical orientations.

Second breaking point: Morocco.

The Emirates maintains close relations with Rabat and supports the Moroccan position on Western Sahara. Algeria supports the right to self-determination of the Sahrawi people and the Polisario Front.

It is difficult, under these conditions, for Algiers to consider the regional activism of a state so close to its main North African rival as neutral. Added to this are the differences in the Sahel and on several African issues where Algiers and Abu Dhabi defend neither the same partners nor the same priorities.

Abu Dhabi extends its influence, Algiers refuses to let its line be dictated

The Algerian decision then takes on another dimension. It does not simply consist of recalling an ambassador or issuing a statement of protest.

Alger closes the door.

The Emirati ambassador was ordered to leave the territory and Algeria also announced the closure of its airspace to civil and military aircraft registered in the Emirates, with a transitional period for certain commercial links. Several Algerian parties and organizations publicly supported the decision, presenting it as a measure intended to protect the country’s sovereignty and higher interests. The message sent to Abu Dhabi is difficult to interpret otherwise: Algeria no longer wants to tolerate what it considers to be interference in its strategic environment.

The Emirates have a considerable asset: their financial power. Sovereign funds, investments, ports, energy, real estate, new technologies: Abu Dhabi has established itself in just a few years as one of the most influential players in the Arab and African world. This economic power allows the Emirates to form partnerships far from their borders and to have political influence well beyond their demographic size.

But Algeria clearly intends to point out one thing: a check book does not give a right to review the policies of other states. It is precisely on this question of sovereignty that the confrontation is being played out today. Faced with this spectacular break, the Emirates chose a much more measured tone. Abu Dhabi says it hopes that the Algerian decision is only temporary and insists on its respect for the Algerian people. This restraint contrasts sharply with the severity of the decision taken by Algiers. However, it is not enough to erase several years of mistrust.

Algeria draws its red line in the face of Emirati ambitions

Basically, this crisis tells something much broader than the disagreement between two Arab capitals. It reveals a clash between two conceptions of power. On the one hand, the Emirates have built an extremely offensive diplomacy, supported by their billions, their investments and a vast network of regional alliances. On the other hand, Algeria claims its diplomatic independence, refuses normalization with Israel and considers its North African, Sahelian and African environment as a major strategic issue. After several years of distrust, Algiers has just set its red line. The message sent to Abu Dhabi is now unambiguous: Algeria intends to decide alone its alliances, its regional policy and its interests.

And this time, she chose the breakup to make it known.