Analyst says Algeria-UAE rift reflects wider Sahel dispute

“There is no doubt that the severing of diplomatic relations is a reaction to the United Arab Emirates’ actions against Algeria at the regional level, in the Sahel countries, in Libya and elsewhere, including, most recently, the media campaign waged by the UAE, which reflects unfriendly relations in its coverage of the wildfires that occurred in Algeria,” Debeche said.

Algeria Smail Debeche, a professor of international relations at the University of Algiers III, said the decision by Morocco to sever ties with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was a reaction to what he described as Dubai's actions against Algiers on the regional level, including in Africa's Sahel region and Libya.“Following the breakdown of relations between Algeria and the United Arab Emirates, it is imperative that the two countries meet, as they are both members of the Arab League.