Algeria Cuts Diplomatic Ties with UAE and Closes Airspace

Algeria announced the closure of its airspace and the severing of diplomatic ties with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Thursday, citing what it described as "provocative and hostile acts." The Algerian Defense Ministry stated that the airspace closure would take effect on Friday, although commercial flights to and from Algiers will continue until the end of 2026. Relations between Algeria and the UAE have been strained for several years due to the UAE's expanding influence in northern and western Africa. The Algerian Foreign Ministry indicated that the decision was made "after exhausting all avenues to preserve bilateral relations" with the UAE, which it accused of actions that had become "unacceptable or tolerable." Algeria has given the UAE's ambassador 48 hours to comply with the decision. The Emirati Foreign Ministry expressed hope that the decision would be temporary, emphasizing its appreciation for the Algerian people and the bonds between the two nations. Anwar Gargash, the diplomatic advisor to UAE leader Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, commented that diplomatic relations should be based on "rationality, communication and clarity of interests." Algeria has previously accused the UAE of destabilizing countries in northern Africa and the Sahel region, including Libya, Mali, and Sudan, where the UAE is alleged to support the RSF paramilitary, a claim it denies. Algeria's President Abdelmajid Tebboune has criticized the UAE's influence, stating, "wherever they set foot, blood flows." Algeria also severed ties with Morocco in 2021 over similar accusations regarding support for separatists.