ALGERIAN PATRIOTS - ENGLISH

After four controversial years marked by abuses and repeated security failures, the Russian paramilitary group Wagner has packed up and left Mali. This sudden withdrawal comes in the wake of intense diplomatic and security pressure from Algeria, which reasserts its role as a key regional power and a pillar of stability in the Sahel.   The Weight of Algerian Diplomacy Since Wagner’s arrival in Mali in 2021, Algeria has consistently and firmly denounced the presence of foreign mercenaries in a region it deems vital to its own national security. Algiers has made it clear that it categorically rejects the transformation of the Sahel into a playground for foreign powers and private military firms. According to Akram Kharief, a defense expert and founder of Menadefense, Moscow’s decision to recall Wagner was directly linked to the deterioration of Algerian-Russian relations on the matter, as well as the debacle in Tinzaouatène in July 2024 — a military failure that laid bare Wagner’s tac...

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...

Algeria has taken a significant step in modernizing its air force by becoming the first foreign country to acquire the Russian Su-57 "Felon" stealth fighter . This strategic deal, which includes 14 Su-57s, 14 Su-34 bombers, and 14 Su-35 fighters , reinforces Algeria’s position as a leading military power in Africa and the Mediterranean region . A Carefully Calculated Military Build-Up Negotiations for this ambitious contract began in 2019 at the MAKS Air Show in Moscow. The Algerian delegation, led by Major General Boumaiza , commander of the Algerian Air Force, conducted a thorough assessment of the Su-57’s performance, including simulator tests. As a former MiG-29 pilot , his expertise played a decisive role in selecting this fifth-generation aircraft. With this acquisition, Algeria joins an elite group of nations with a modern and diversified air fleet. By mid-2026 , its air force will be equipped with: A squadron of Su-57 stealth fighters A squadron of Su-35 air super...

Relations between Russia and Algeria continue to strengthen, both bilaterally and in the context of key international and regional issues. During a recent visit to Algeria, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev emphasized that the two countries share similar positions on most points of the global agenda. This statement, made after his negotiations with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, underscores the depth of the strategic partnership between Moscow and Algiers and their mutual desire to enhance cooperation across various sectors. A Strategic Partnership Based on a Common Vision Russia and Algeria have long-standing diplomatic relations that have been developing for decades. Since Algeria’s independence in 1962, Moscow has been a key ally, providing support in military and economic fields. Today, these ties are reinforced through shared perspectives on major geopolitical issues. Patrushev highlighted the strategic nature of Russia-Algeria relations, noting that both na...

The recently signed memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Algeria and the United States in the field of defense marks a significant development in the bilateral relations between the two countries. While the specific details of the agreement remain undisclosed, it is clear that the MoU aims to establish mechanisms for cooperation to bolster joint efforts in combating terrorism and drug trafficking in North Africa, particularly in the strategically important Sahel region. However, this rapprochement may raise concerns in Moscow, which has traditionally been a key partner for Algeria and could perceive this development as a shift in Algeria's strategic priorities. Strategic Context: Enhanced Military Cooperation As a regional power and a key player in combating insecurity in the Sahel, Algeria has historically relied on diverse military partnerships to maintain its strategic independence. The agreement with Washington fits into this framework, reflecting Algeria's desire to d...

This article examines the prospects of a Trump administration toward Algeria, focusing on the role of American economic interests and recommendations from influential U.S. think tanks advocating for a strategic rapprochement with Algeria. In a context of heightened geopolitical competition, several American research institutions are encouraging strengthened ties with Algeria to curb Russian influence in North Africa. This article explores the economic, political, and strategic implications of such a potential rapprochement and its impact on U.S. foreign policy. Algeria occupies a strategic position in North Africa, thanks to its abundant natural resources and historical ties with several world powers, including Russia. These relations have sparked the interest of American think tanks, which recommend a more active engagement policy toward Algeria to limit Russian influence in the region. This article examines the implications of these recommendations and analyzes how a Trump administra...