Algeria receives US envoy to discuss regional peace

The Trump administration’s Senior Advisor for Africa and the Middle East, Massad Boulos, has been received in Algeria by Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf, reports Le Matin d’Algerie on 27th January.

The trip is an official working visit to boost ties between both countries and discuss regional issues. According to an official statement, the discussion focused on the evolving situation in Libya, the Sahel, as well as the Western Sahara conflict with Morocco.

Boulos then had an audience with President Abdelmajid Tebboune, during which they talked about boosting economic ties: the US represents a major trading partner for the North African state, importing crude oils and minerals, and exporting various machinery, such as helicopters, as well as wheat and soybeans to Algeria. Trade exchanges are now close to the $4 billion mark.

Algeria and the United States are also developing their military collaboration, after signing a historic Memorandum of Understanding in January 2025 during a visit of the Commander of the US Africa Corps, General Michael Langley, to Algiers.

The trip marks a new step in Algeria’s growing relationship with the United States. While Donald Trump has sided with Morocco on the Western Sahara issue, backing the UN resolution that recognizes Moroccan sovereignty, he has expressed his desire to get involved with the longstanding conflict. In a recent interview, Massad Boulos stated that resolving the issue was a top priority for his administration.

The US has excellent historic relations with Morocco, and its budding relationship with Algeria could allow Trump to put pressure on the Tebboune government to step back its support to the Polisario Front militias. Algeria has been accused of trying to obscure its own role in the Western Sahara conflict, particularly the financial and military support it allegedly provides the controversial pro-independence group.

Le Matin d’Algerie, Carnergie Endowment, Africom, Maghrebi.org