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Showing posts with the label AFRICA

Mali-Algeria: Towards Normalization Under Russian Pressure?

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’s Strategic Foresight: A Diplomatic Victory in a Changing World

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...

African Union: Algeria Triumphs, Morocco Stumbles… and Whines!

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 ...

Egypt and Algeria: Analyzing Egypt’s Sudden Policy Shift in the African Union

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....

Diplomatic Defeat for Morocco at the African Union: A Shameful Concealment of a Crushing Failure Against Algeria

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...

The France-Algeria Crisis: Possible Scenarios and Geostrategic Implications in the Mediterranean and Africa

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,...

AFCON 2025: The Greatest Scandal in CAF History

African football has witnessed its fair share of controversies, but rarely has there been a debacle as blatant as the one surrounding the organization of  AFCON 2025 . A series of biased decisions, flagrant favoritism, and glaring contradictions have turned this edition into a  shameful mockery , exposing the  deep rot within the Confederation of African Football (CAF) . First,  Guinea was stripped of its hosting rights  under the pretext that its stadiums would not be ready— three years before the tournament ! Then,  Algeria, with six fully operational world-class stadiums, was inexplicably sidelined in favor of Morocco , which still required major infrastructure work. And in the most absurd twist of all, the tournament was later  postponed by an entire year because Morocco itself was not ready!  And now,  the tournament draw has taken place while the stadiums remain unfinished! How can such blatant incompetence be justified? This is not jus...