Tebboune says Algeria will not reverse decision to sever ties with UAE

Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune said his country would not reverse its decision to sever diplomatic relations with the United Arab Emirates, saying the move came after tensions between the two countries had reached a critical point.

Speaking during his periodic meeting with representatives of the national press, Tebboune accused Abu Dhabi of seeking to dominate Algeria and stressed that his government would not compromise on national sovereignty.

Tebboune said Algeria had played a role in establishing the UAE’s oil company, adding that Abu Dhabi was now attempting to exercise what he described as “domination” over Algeria.

He stressed the importance of preserving Algeria’s sovereignty, describing the country as a land for which millions had sacrificed their lives and saying he had no right to compromise it for any other country.

“We welcome those who conduct themselves in accordance with the law, but anyone who attempts tyranny is mistaken,” Tebboune said.

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Turning to Western Sahara, Tebboune said no one could force the Sahrawi people to relinquish their rights. He said Algeria gives its views when consulted by the United States but that the ultimate decision rests with the Sahrawis themselves.

Tebboune said the parties to the Western Sahara dispute were engaged in discussions and reiterated that Algeria would support a solution accepted by the Sahrawi people.

Algeria announced on 10th September that it was severing diplomatic relations with the UAE and gave the Emirati ambassador 48 hours to leave the country. Algiers said the decision followed what it described as a series of “provocative and hostile acts” by Abu Dhabi after efforts to preserve bilateral relations had been exhausted.

Algeria also imposed restrictions on Emirati aircraft using its airspace, while allowing scheduled commercial flights to continue until the end of 2026.

READ: Algeria to close airspace to UAE-registered aircraft after severing diplomatic ties