Algerian president slams regional 'micro-state' over destabilizing activities in apparent reference to UAE

Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has sharply criticized an unnamed regional "micro-state," widely understood to be the United Arab Emirates (UAE), over its destabilizing role across the Arab world and West Africa’s Sahel region, warning that Algeria would firmly defend its sovereignty. 

Speaking in a televised interview on Wednesday, Tebboune said the state's activities had fueled instability across the region, describing its involvement as a recurring source of conflict and violence.

"Wherever they set foot, blood flows," the Algerian president said, adding that Algeria possesses evidence to support its claims and is not making unfounded accusations.

"This is serious, and we have proof. We are not speaking in the void," he said, adding that the matter could be referred to the United Nations or another international body for examination.

Although Tebboune did not explicitly name the UAE, his references to Abu Dhabi left little doubt about the country he was addressing.

The Algerian leader went on to say that his government had exercised restraint by maintaining diplomatic relations despite repeated interference in regional affairs.

"There is much division in the Arab world, and we do not want to worsen the situation," he said. "Otherwise, we would have broken off relations with this micro-state long ago, from which only humiliation and discord emanate."  

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The so-called “Greater Israel” envisions expansive Zionist control from the Nile to Euphrates, with UAE-Zionist collaboration extending influence through military bases and resource exploitation across Africa and West Asia.

Tebboune further contrasted Algeria's ties with the unnamed state with the country's close relations with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait and Egypt, saying Algeria enjoys strong political and strategic cooperation with those countries.

The president also issued a strong warning regarding Tunisia, declaring that any attack or effort to destabilize the neighboring country would be viewed as an attack on Algeria itself.

"An attack on Tunisia is an attack on us," Tebboune said, noting that certain actors are seeking to undermine Tunisia because of its close relationship with Algeria.

Using a colloquial Algerian expression, he warned that anyone attempting to bring terrorism to Tunisia would face a decisive response.

"Whoever brings terrorism to Tunisia or near Tunisia, we will leave him in his parents' tent," he said.

The remarks come amid rising tensions between Algeria and the UAE. According to Algerian media reports, Algiers has begun procedures to revoke the bilateral air services agreement signed in 2013, a move that could eventually suspend direct flights between the two countries. Reports have also suggested that Algerian authorities are considering severing diplomatic relations with the UAE, although no official decision has been announced.

Tebboune's comments follow a series of earlier statements in which he said Abu Dhabi had played a destabilizing role in conflicts in Mali, Libya and Sudan.

Concluding the interview, the Algerian president reaffirmed that Algeria remains committed to regional peace and stability, stressing that his country's policies are defensive rather than confrontational.

Invoking an Arab proverb, Tebboune said, "When the danger grows, the door through which the wind enters, we close it," describing the approach as a reflection of Algeria's determination to safeguard its sovereignty and national interests against external interference.

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