ALGERIAN PATRIOTS - ENGLISH

As the United Nations Security Council prepares for its decisive vote on October 31, 2025, regarding the renewal of MINURSO’s mandate, discussions over Western Sahara have intensified, exposing a growing polarization within the international community. The draft resolution submitted by the United States—traditionally the penholder on this issue—has stirred notable controversy, revealing persistent rifts between major powers and regional actors. Established in 1991, the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) was tasked with overseeing the ceasefire between the Kingdom of Morocco and the Polisario Front, while preparing a self-determination referendum. Yet that referendum has never materialized, and today the mission finds itself weakened by budgetary constraints—chiefly American—and recurrent political deadlocks. In this delicate context, UN Secretary-General António Guterres recommended a one-year extension of the mandate, until October 31, 2026, to allow...

There are narratives we repeat endlessly, slogans waved like banners to seduce, and seduce again—until the lie becomes almost truth. In recent years, Morocco has positioned itself as a supposed champion of Pan-Africanism, multiplying diplomatic gestures, royal visits, and economic agreements across sub-Saharan Africa. But behind this carefully maintained façade, what does this influence strategy truly conceal? How can a kingdom with such an ambiguous foreign policy claim to embody the deep aspirations of the African continent—especially those of the Sahel? Morocco’s Shadow Over the Sahel The Sahelian countries, plagued by terrorism for over a decade, are seeking out various partners in the hope of achieving stability. Among them, Morocco has emerged as a regional interlocutor, claiming to offer its expertise, support, and “African solidarity.” But isn’t it paradoxical—or even cynical—to see Rabat playing the savior in a crisis that, according to several observers, it may have covertl...

 The recent diplomatic flare-up between Mali and Algeria is far more than a mere border dispute or an isolated military incident. At its core lies a deeper and more strategic struggle—one that revolves around the future of energy in the Sahel and West Africa. The competing visions for this future are embodied in two massive projects: the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline (TSGP), championed by Algeria, and the Nigeria-Morocco Atlantic gas pipeline. A Crisis That Reveals Regional Fractures In early April 2025, Algeria issued a firm diplomatic note condemning Mali's "baseless allegations" after the Algerian military shot down a Malian drone that had allegedly violated Algerian airspace for the third time since August 2024. Algeria, citing radar evidence, maintained that its response was both measured and necessary. Bamako’s reaction, however, was not limited to protesting the drone incident. The Malian transitional government accused Algeria of colluding with terrorist groups—a ...

The expulsion of Morocco’s Vice-Consul in Oran, Mohamed El-Soufyani, announced by the Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is yet another illustration of the threat posed by Moroccan consular representations in Algeria. This decision, justified by "suspicious acts" deemed incompatible with the mission of a consular office, strengthens the argument that maintaining Moroccan consulates after the 2021 diplomatic break was a strategic misstep. Tangible Proof of Subversive Activities by Moroccan Consulates Algeria had already warned of Morocco’s hostile actions, which led to the severance of diplomatic ties on August 24, 2021. However, allowing Moroccan consulates to remain open provided Rabat with operational bases on Algerian soil, enabling subversive activities under the guise of consular missions. The statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is unequivocal: the vice-consul’s conduct constitutes a violation of Algerian laws and international conventions, particularly ...

Relations between Algeria and Mali have experienced unprecedented tensions since 2023. Once considered exemplary, especially through the Algiers Peace Agreement of 2015, the bilateral relationship took a dramatic turn following Algeria’s reception of Imam Mahmoud Dicko, a staunch opponent of Mali’s ruling junta. The Malian authorities viewed this as a provocative and unwarranted interference in their internal affairs, leading to retaliatory measures such as recalling their ambassador from Algiers and canceling the Algiers Agreement. Tensions escalated further with Russia’s growing military presence in Mali through the Wagner Group, which Algeria has viewed with suspicion, particularly near its borders. Amid this crisis, Morocco played a significant role in exacerbating tensions, using the opportunity to strengthen its ties with Bamako and positioning itself as an alternative strategic partner to Algeria. Additionally, Moroccan drug trafficking networks have continued to fuel terrorist ...

Algeria, often seen as a discreet yet influential player on the global stage, is now reaping the benefits of a well-calculated geopolitical strategy based on independence, regional influence, and diversified partnerships . While France faces increasing marginalization in Europe and Africa, and alliances in the Sahel begin to fracture, Algeria is solidifying its position as a key regional power . Recent developments— Mali’s diplomatic U-turn towards Algeria , France’s strategic missteps , and the exclusion of Europe from US-Russia discussions on Ukraine —all illustrate how Algiers’ commitment to pragmatism, sovereignty, and multilateralism is paying off in the long run. Mali Reconciles with Algeria: A Diplomatic Triumph One of the clearest signs of Algeria’s diplomatic success is Mali’s recent decision to restore high-level relations with Algeria by sending an ambassador to Algiers , signaling an attempt to de-escalate tensions that had emerged in recent months. 🔹 Morocco’s Attem...

Ah, Morocco… A country that has spent so much time looking at itself in a distorted mirror that it actually started believing it weighs more than a grain of couscous in African geopolitics. Unfortunately for Rabat, reality is stubborn, and the recent elections within the African Union (AU) delivered a brutal wake-up call, bringing the kingdom back to its true size: that of a minor player in a continent where Algeria asserts itself as a heavyweight. A Diplomatic Earthquake… and a Nervous Breakdown in Rabat Morocco’s crushing defeats in the race for the AU Commission presidency and the Peace and Security Council have triggered a political earthquake within the kingdom. The confusion has reached such absurd levels that a pro-regime media outlet went as far as announcing King Mohammed VI’s death—before swiftly retracting the news under pressure from intelligence services! We knew the king had been missing for weeks, but declaring him "out of service" that fast? That alone speaks ...

In an unexpected turn of events, Egypt has nominated Hanan Morsy for the position of Vice President of the African Union Commission , despite having previously pledged its support for Algeria’s candidate, Malika Hadadi . This sudden shift in Egypt’s stance has raised numerous questions about its underlying motives and potential implications for Egypt-Algeria relations and the balance of power within the African Union (AU). Does this policy change signal hidden tensions between the two North African giants? Is it part of Egypt’s broader strategy to expand its influence in Africa? Or could external pressures be shaping Cairo’s diplomatic choices? This article delves into the possible reasons behind Egypt’s move and its impact on the African diplomatic landscape. 1. Is Egypt Seeking to Reposition Itself in Africa? a) Egypt’s Gradual Return to the African Scene Egypt’s influence in Africa had declined following the 2011 revolution and the ousting of former President Mohamed Morsi in 2013....

Morocco has just experienced a significant setback within the African Union (AU), yet a palpable unease surrounds this diplomatic episode. Why this clumsy attempt to conceal a fact known to all? In the election for a seat on the AU's Peace and Security Council (PSC), Morocco was soundly defeated by Algeria, which secured 30 votes compared to only 17 for the Cherifian Kingdom. A Diplomatic Blow Dealt by Algeria Despite sustained efforts and an expensive diplomatic campaign, Morocco faced a massive rejection. The sixth round of voting was decisive: Algeria, backed by its historical commitment and influence in Africa, won hands down. This result reflects a profound shift in how African states perceive Morocco, as its methods and ambitions are increasingly questioned. Far from being a driving force for unity and progress in Africa, Morocco has focused its efforts on one obsession: countering Algeria. Its primary objective is not to build a strong and united Africa but to systematically...

Relations between France and Algeria are experiencing unprecedented tensions, particularly due to France’s support for Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara. Algeria perceives this stance as a direct threat to its strategic interests in North Africa and the Sahel. However, this crisis is not limited to the Western Sahara issue; it also extends to economic cooperation, military alliances, and regional influence in Africa. This article aims to analyze the possible trajectories of the France-Algeria crisis by examining potential scenarios and their short-, medium-, and long-term geopolitical and geostrategic consequences. The analysis is based on academic sources and research studies to assess the factors driving this crisis and its broader implications for power dynamics in the Mediterranean and Africa. 1. Geopolitical Context of the France-Algeria Crisis 1.1. Western Sahara: The Core of the Dispute Algeria has maintained a consistent position on the Western Sahara issue for decades,...