Algeria considers breaking diplomatic ties with UAE over alleged disinformation campaign

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