Western Sahara: Algerian diplomacy running out of steam

Over the past year, Algeria has found itself increasingly isolated on the international stage, with the recent UN resolution on the Western Sahara representing a serious setback for its diplomatic efforts, writes France 24 on November 7th.

The resolution, which was ultimately passed by the UN’s Security Council on October 31st, approved the US-backed Moroccan plan, which would recognise the autonomy of the Sahrawi people, but under Morocco sovereignty. Details of how the plan will be applied have not yet been shared by Morocco.

Algeria didn’t take part in the vote, but made its position known, accusing Morocco of pushing its agenda “by force”.   The Algerian regime has been known to support the Polisario Front, who has been pushing for the Western Sahara’s independence for decades, fuelling the longstanding feud with Morocco. The UN vote further highlighted tensions between both countries, with many Western powers siding with Morocco.

For the past few years Algeria has worked hard to strengthen its diplomatic position.  It has developed strong, friendly relations with China and Russia, but both countries ultimately abstained from the UN vote, along with Pakistan.

It has also taken small steps to deepen bilateral ties with the United States, notes Sabina Henneberg from the Washington Institute. However, there are signs that Algerian diplomacy is struggling, as it has not made any move to pacify its very tense relations with neighbours and former allies.

In particular, Algeria has completely cut its diplomatic relations with France since it called back its ambassador in July 2024, due to its support for the Moroccan Western Sahara plan. While Algeria has always had a complex relationship with its former colonizer, France is also a strategic partner. A recent report by Middle East Eye noted that France retains a “notable – albeit gradually shrinking” presence in Algeria, with large investments in the hydrocarbon, banking and pharmaceutical industries.

The North African state is also on bad terms with neighbouring Mali since the ‘drone crisis’ of April 2025, where Algeria shot down a Malian drone which it claimed had entered its territory illegally. This incident also pushed Niger and Burkina Faso to recall their ambassadors in solidarity with Mali. It remains to be seen how Algerian president Tebboune will negotiate these tensions and assert his country’s position further, both regionally and internationally.

France 24, Maghrebi.org, Middle East Eye