Tensions Escalate: Algerian Newspaper Issues Stern Warning to the UAE
An Algerian newspaper, closely affiliated with the presidency, has issued a stern warning to officials in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) over what it described as “hostile practices by the rulers of Abu Dhabi towards Algeria, both its government and its people.”
The newspaper “Al-Khabar” revealed in its edition on Monday, September 4, 2023, an unprecedented informal tension in recent Algerian-Emirati relations. The article, penned by journalist Ahmed Hafsi under the title “What does Abu Dhabi want from Algeria?”, analyzed the UAE’s antagonistic behavior towards Algeria, most notably its “military” support for the Kingdom of Morocco.
Hafsi highlighted that the “hostile practices of the rulers of Abu Dhabi towards Algeria, both its government and its people, indicate that relations between the two brotherly countries are heading towards the unknown. Algeria’s long-standing policy of restraint may not last much longer.”
The Algerian journalist also pointed out the UAE’s recent military aid to its normalization partners in Rabat, including warplanes. Additionally, he mentioned espionage equipment installed by Morocco along its border with Algeria, specifically designed to spy on various internal communications of Algerians along the border region. This, according to the same source, is further evidence of the UAE’s support for Morocco’s expansionist and occupationist thesis in Western Sahara.
Furthermore, local media reports have highlighted suspicious activities by the UAE’s military attaché in Algeria, who holds the rank of colonel. He reportedly stated in front of his European counterparts that “in the event of a war between Algeria and Morocco, his country would stand with all its capabilities with Morocco.”
Many view “Al-Khabar” as an unofficial mouthpiece for the Algerian presidency, especially as it often responds to accusations and campaigns against the interests of the Algerian government and presidency. The newspaper, which is the largest Arabic-language publication in the country, frequently reveals exclusive news based on sources within the presidential office. However, its relationship with the authorities can be volatile, especially concerning human rights topics.
Observers of Algerian political and media affairs believe that the concerned authorities often use prominent local newspapers to convey internal or external messages in an “unofficial” manner under journalistic cover. “Al-Khabar” is known to receive a significant amount of government advertisements, seen by some as a form of support in exchange for altering its editorial line in recent years.
