Algeria considers breaking diplomatic ties with UAE over alleged disinformation campaign
via Algérie3603 min read
Algeria is reportedly preparing to sever diplomatic relations with the United Arab Emirates, a move that would mark a significant shift in their bilateral ties. This decision follows an alleged large-scale disinformation campaign orchestrated from Abu Dhabi, which exploited recent forest fires across Algeria and a tragic orphanage fire in Mohammadia. According to the media outlet El-Khabar, thousands of social media posts, including AI-generated images and manipulated videos, have circulated, aiming to exaggerate the impact of the fires and criticize Algerian authorities. These posts are linked to Emirati media circles. The article notes that while fires are common in the Mediterranean region due to climate change, the timing of this disinformation campaign, amidst Algeria's vulnerability, is seen as deliberate. This is not the first time Abu Dhabi has been accused of interfering in the internal affairs of sovereign states, with alleged involvement in Yemen, Sudan, Libya, Mali, and Niger. The UAE is perceived as seeking to weaken independent regional powers like Algeria, which has successfully de-escalated crises in its neighborhood. Algeria views recent diplomatic and economic successes, such as President Tebboune's visit to Germany, as triggers for these media attacks. El-Khabar suggests these offensives are supported by pro-Israeli entities collaborating with regional actors, including Morocco. Algeria has previously issued warnings to Emirati leaders without success, and
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Algeria's Civil Protection reported 69 new wildfires as of Sunday at 1:00 PM, with 26 remaining active across 13 wilayas. Skikda is the most impacted, with nine ongoing fires. Béjaïa and Guelma each have three active fires, while Mila has two. Annaba, Souk Ahras, Tizi Ouzou, Bordj Bou Arreridj, El Tarf, Jijel, Sétif, Tiaret, and Relizane each report one active fire. In Annaba, fires are advancing in Séraïdi, threatening a village, with three AT-802 water bomber aircraft supporting firefighters. Béjaïa sees fires in Toudja and Aokas, where multiple villages are at risk, also requiring water bomber intervention. Skikda's firefighters are battling blazes in Aïn Kechra and Chéraïa, with three AT-802 planes deployed to protect homes. Ground operations continue in Sidi Mezghiche, Zitouna, and Aïn Cherchar. Guelma's Medjez Amar fire threatens homes, prompting Oum El Bouaghi wilaya to send nine reinforcement vehicles. In Souk Ahras, a fire in Aïn Zana is spreading along the Tunisian border, with a BE-200 Canadair assisting. Tizi Ouzou's Amsouhal fire continues to affect Ighil Aklimane village. High temperatures and dry vegetation are contributing to the spread of fires, complicating containment efforts. The Civil Protection urges vigilance and prompt reporting of any fire outbreaks. Separately, the Civil Protection also reported a tragic incident in Tamanrasset where a concrete wall collapse inside a house in Hai Essalam killed two children, aged 1 and 6. A 40-year-old woman sustaine
Ségolène Royal, president of the Franco-Algerian Friendship Association and a French political figure, has strongly criticized France's foreign policy towards Algeria. In a post on X, the former minister described Paris's approach as "catastrophic diplomacy," stating that France is progressively losing its economic and strategic positions to other European powers. Royal highlighted the dynamic economic relations between Algeria and several European capitals, citing major contracts in energy and public works with Italy, and the signing of around thirty agreements during an Algerian visit to Germany, covering strategic areas like green hydrogen and the automotive industry. She also mentioned the anticipated visit of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez to Algiers for new bilateral projects. According to Royal, France is being "replaced" on the continent, having lost influence in the Sahel and Francophone Africa, and now seeing its businesses decline in Algeria. She noted a clear weakening of industrial, agricultural, construction, and port management partnerships for French entities, while competing European companies expand their activities. Royal deplored that internal political controversies in France regarding Algeria obscure "strategic realities." She called for overcoming these divisions to rebuild a balanced relationship with countries on the southern shore of the Mediterranean, advocating for diplomacy based on mutual respect and shared interests. Looking ahead to the 2
Must ReadThe Trump administration is exploring a proposal to require a $100,000 bond from foreign nationals applying for a Green Card through U.S. consulates. This sum would only be reimbursed after obtaining U.S. citizenship, a process that takes a minimum of five years. The measure is primarily expected to affect families of U.S. citizens, including spouses, parents, and siblings. The State Department confirmed it is examining this option, though without a specific timeline. The proposed bond aims to ensure financial self-sufficiency among immigrants, with the amount potentially varying. A State Department spokesperson, Tommy Pigott, stated that President Trump has made it clear that those wishing to immigrate to the U.S. must be financially autonomous. The administration plans to pilot the program in a limited number of countries before wider implementation. Sharvari Dalal-Dheini, Director of Government Relations at the American Immigration Lawyers Association, criticized the proposal, suggesting its true purpose is to exclude certain immigrants and create a "pay-to-play" system where only the wealthy can afford to immigrate.