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Spain Targets Bribery in Algerian Public Works Scandal
Spanish prosecutors seek major prison sentences and fines for politicians and business leaders accused of paying bribes to win Algerian public contracts in a decade-long corruption scandal.
Algeria Rebounds as Spain’s Primary Gas Supplier as Bilateral Trade Spikes
Algeria has reclaimed its position as Spain’s leading natural gas supplier, with bilateral trade surging after a two-year diplomatic freeze. This economic rebound highlights the strategic importance of the energy link that endured despite significant political tensions.
French President Wants to Suspend Visa-Free Travel for Algerian Diplomats
French President Emmanuel Macron has requested that the government suspend visa exemptions for Algerian diplomatic and official passport holders. This move, detailed in a letter to Prime Minister François Bayrou, is a response to growing diplomatic tensions between...
Algeria Officially Joins ASEAN
Algeria just made a big splash on the global stage, officially joining ASEAN as a partner (What is Asean: An Explainer). The North African nation is essentially hitting the reset button on its foreign policy, shifting its gaze from its usual European and Mediterranean...
Sahel: Russia Replaces Wagner in Mali Under Pressure from Algeria, Touaregs Brace
With Wagner stepping aside, the Africa Corps is moving in, bringing structure and legitimacy to Moscow’s support for Bamako. Touareg leaders, fearing a more efficient and state-backed force, have begun testing quiet understandings with jihadist factions like GSIM. It’s not a formal alliance, but a sign of growing desperation in a region where alliances shift quickly and survival often overrides ideology.
Algeria Cuts French Imports in Bid for Self-Sufficiency and Diversification
France once held a firm place in Algeria’s food supply chain, from wheat fields in Burgundy to cattle farms in the Auvergne. But over the past year, that connection has weakened. Quietly but steadily, Algeria has stopped importing key French agricultural products—first wheat, then young cattle—while looking elsewhere to meet its needs.
Algeria Confirms Gold and Marble Reserves, Signals Opening of Mining Sector to Foreign Investment
Algeria updates gold and marble reserve figures and plans to ease foreign investment rules in mining.
Facing Regional Instability, Algeria Introduces Mobilization Law in Line with Global Practices
Amid rising regional tensions, Algeria is updating its defense laws with a proposed general mobilization bill that would allow for the rapid transition from peacetime to wartime readiness. The law outlines scenarios triggering full national mobilization, mandates civilian compliance, and grants sweeping powers to authorities in times of imminent threat or aggression.
U.S. Trade Policy Is Accelerating China–North Africa Economic and Defense Engagement
U.S. trade tariffs are accelerating China’s push into developing economies, with North Africa emerging as a key frontier.
The Maghreb’s Response to U.S. Tariffs and Rising Chinese Influence
U.S. tariffs have not yet affected consumer spending in the Maghreb, but as the tariffs are sending shockwaves through global trade—North Africa is not insulated.
Algeria-France Business Ties Hit by Diplomatic Rift
The ongoing diplomatic tensions between Algeria and France are now affecting economic relations, which had so far remained relatively stable. According to RFI, multiple high-level business visits from business leaders on both sides of the Mediterraneans have been canceled in recent days.
North Africa Defense: Morocco Gets Surface-to-Air Missiles, Algeria-Mauritania Sign Defense Pact
April 2025 has seen a notable series of military developments across North Africa, where rivalries and competition for influence are adding more stress.From U.S. missile sales to Morocco to new defense agreements between Algeria and Mauritania, the regional defense landscape is worrying but geopolitical competition will likely continue to exacerbate tensions.
Algeria–France Diplomatic Crisis Intensifies
In April 2025, tensions between France and Algeria flared after the arrest of an Algerian consular agent in France, triggering mutual expulsions, political backlash, and fears of long-term diplomatic fallout. This analysis explores the roots, reactions, and possible outcomes of one of the most serious rifts between the two nations in decades.
France’s Far-Right Pushes to End 1968 Franco-Algerian Treaty, Escalating Diplomatic Tensions
France’s far-right movement has been escalating diplomatic tensions with Algeria by calling to revoke the 1968 Franco-Algerian Treaty. On February 26, 2025, members of the French government threatened unilateral termination of the treaty unless Algeria accepted the return of undocumented migrants.
Franco-Algerian relations set to worsen over planned military maneuvers in Morocco
Algeria summoned the French Ambassador to protest the planned “Chergui 2025” Franco-Moroccan military exercises scheduled for September near the Algerian border. Tensions between the nations have escalated following France’s support for Morocco’s position on Western Sahara.
Building a Road to Nowhere? Morocco’s Unfinished Push to Mauritania
Morocco is nearing completion of a 93-kilometer road linking Es-Semara to the Mauritanian border, a project touted as a boost for regional connectivity. However, with no immediate link to Mauritanian infrastructure and no confirmed plans for its extension, the road currently leads to a dead end.
Algeria Opens First of Five Seawater Desalination Plants to Combat Water Shortages
Algeria has inaugurated the first of five planned seawater desalination plants in Cap-Blanc, Oran, as part of an emergency initiative to address severe water stress and the future impacts of climate change.
Franco-Algerian Diplomatic Relations in Turmoil
The Franco-Algerian diplomatic relations are going through a turbulent period. The latest signs of discord between them stem from multiple sources that include the change in France’s recognition of Morocco’s plan on the Western Sahara
Mali Keeps Pressuring Algeria, Accusing it of Interference
Mali has accused Algeria of interference and supporting terrorist groups after top Algerian diplomat criticized its counter-terrorism strategy. Bamako alleges Algeria maintains ties to insurgent groups, a reference to the Toureg tribes,
Algeria boosts defense budget to tackle cross-border threats
Algeria’s draft Finance Law for the year 2025 earmarks record spending for its military and defense. The Ministry of Defense, which oversees the country’s armed forces, will receive more than US$25 billion, an increase of over 10% compared to 2024. The move is...
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