Algeria Bound

The United Nations Security Council has approved a resolution supporting Morocco’s autonomy proposal for Western Sahara as the most feasible basis for future negotiations. The decision, initiated by the United States, passed with eleven members in favor, three abstentions from Russia, China, and Pakistan, and no participation from Algeria. The resolution renews the mandate of the UN mission (MINURSO) and calls for all parties to engage in talks without preconditions, though key disagreements on self-determination and final status remain.

Algeria’s parliament is reviewing a bill that would let the state revoke citizenship from nationals who commit acts deemed hostile to the country while living abroad. Critics warn the measure weaponizes national belonging and fuels distrust between the government and millions of Algerians living overseas, while lawmakers insist it will only affect severe threats to state security.

A whistleblower case and an embezzlement probe have intensified scrutiny of Algeria’s government ministries amid an expanding anti-corruption campaign.

Algeria’s central bank has set a goal to phase out cash transactions completely by 2028, launching an ambitious strategy to expand digital payments and modernize the financial system. But with most Algerians relying on cash, skepticism remains over how quickly this transition will take place.