UAE’s Expanding Influence in the Sahel Raises Alarms Over Threats to Algeria
Mysterious visits, Israeli intelligence ties, and growing Emirati-Haftar coordination spark fears of a covert campaign to destabilize Algeria’s southern flank.
Watan-The African Sahel region is witnessing alarming diplomatic and military activity by the United Arab Emirates, with clear signs of a coordinated plan that appears to directly target Algeria—in partnership with Libyan General Khalifa Haftar and Israeli intelligence support.
The most notable development was the unexpected visit of Saddam Haftar, son of the eastern Libyan military leader, to Niger, where he met with top military officials, including President Abdourahamane Tchiani. The visit, described as mysterious, came just days after UAE Minister of State Sheikh Shakhbout bin Nahyan toured both Mali and Niger, raising serious questions about the nature of this emerging alliance.
Cross-regional analysis suggests that Abu Dhabi is using Haftar as a field agent to push its strategic agenda in the region. This includes the possible establishment of military bases disguised as humanitarian or development projects, which may in reality become Emirati-Israeli power hubs near Algeria’s borders. Prominent Algerian journalist Nidham El-Mehdaoui warned of “Zionist bases wearing an Emirati face” being built in the Sahel.
Observers fear these moves may be part of a larger strategy to undermine Algeria’s stability from its southern front, potentially creating an undeclared military and intelligence encirclement. Adding to this tension, a Malian army drone recently violated Algerian airspace, deepening diplomatic strain between Algiers and Bamako.
Algeria is attempting to recalibrate its Sahel policy, but its relationships with Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso remain cold, with diplomatic downgrades and ambassador recalls. This vacuum, analysts warn, is being exploited by the UAE to expand its influence across the region.
As the situation evolves, the central question remains:Will the UAE’s moves in the Sahel become a direct threat to Algeria?
And more critically—how long will Algeria remain silent in what some are calling a “new cold war” on its southern border?
