Algeria cuts diplomatic ties with UAE

Algeria terminated diplomatic relations with the United Arab Emirates on Thursday, accusing its neighbor of engaging in provocative and hostile actions. The Algerian Defense Ministry announced that the country would close its airspace to UAE flights starting Friday, although commercial flights are permitted to continue until the end of 2026.

Tensions between the two nations have been mounting over the UAE's growing influence in northern and western Africa. The Algerian Foreign Ministry stated that they had explored all possible options to maintain the bilateral relations before making the decision. They emphasized that UAE actions had become unacceptable. Algeria also gave the UAE ambassador a 48-hour deadline to reverse the decision.

The Emirati Foreign Ministry expressed hope that the decision would be short-lived, reaffirming its appreciation for Algerian people and their shared history. The UAE's diplomatic advisor, Anwar Gargash, called for diplomatic ties to be based on rationality and clear interests. Algeria has previously blamed the UAE for destabilizing countries in northern Africa, including Libya, Mali, and Sudan.

The UAE denies these allegations and supports rival administrations in Sudan and Libya. In July, Algerian President Abdelmajid Tebboune harshly criticized the UAE for its influence in other countries, urging them to stay away from his nation.