Algeria writing off debts of 14 countries to restore its influence in Africa, report says

Algeria has started large-scale activities to restore its influence in Africa by declaring it will write off the debts of 14 countries, a report published by Radio France International (RFI) confirmed.

The report referred to the announcement by Foreign Minister, Ramtane Lamamra, on Thursday that the North African state planned to cancel the debts of 14 African countries, whose names he did not mention. A total of $1 billion is being wiped off as part of diplomatic rapprochement which Algeria described as a step for a “united world”, stressing that “this initiative is part of other initiatives taken by Algeria to restore its influence.”

The report considered that these moves convey a message that “Algerian diplomacy must regain certain influence to fortify its role as a middle power”. It quoted the Algerian presidency as saying that “Algeria must be able to take initiatives in major regional and international issues,” a vision brought about by the minister of foreign affairs, who has made numerous trips across Africa.

The report indicated that “in Niger, Lamamra discussed with President Bazoum joint work to maintain peace and security in Africa.” They also discussed reactivating the security agreement signed in 2018 between Niger, Libya, Chad and Sudan. Lamamra also visited Mauritania to invite President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani to Algeria.

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