Algeria grows increasingly isolated amid shifting North African geopolitics

Algeria is finding itself more isolated as it faces mounting challenges from its former colonial ruler and shifting power dynamics across North Africa, according to the Financial Times.

The West’s growing support for Morocco’s plan to grant limited autonomy to Western Sahara runs counter to Algeria’s backing of the Polisario Front, which continues to demand full independence for the Sahrawi people.

Algeria also strongly opposes the 2020 normalization deals between Morocco, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Israel as part of the Abraham Accords, remaining a firm supporter of the Palestinian cause.

At the same time, Algiers is alarmed by the UAE’s expanding regional influence — especially in Morocco, where Emirati investment in a major pipeline could carry Nigerian natural gas to Europe via Morocco, potentially threatening Algeria’s top export sector.

Relations with France have also deteriorated over several issues, including Paris’ support for Morocco’s Western Sahara plan and disputes over the extradition of Algerians living in France.

Meanwhile, Russia’s rising sway in the Sahel region has added to Algiers’ unease. With ties strained with the UAE, France, Morocco and Russia, Algeria now finds itself with fewer allies and greater geopolitical headwinds.