Algiers, Algeria – Abdelkader Bengrina, the leader of Algeria’s National Construction Movement and a member of the government coalition, has reiterated his criticism of the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) involvement in the Maghreb and Sahel region, citing concerns over the tensions it creates for Algeria.
Speaking during the National Symposium for Future Cohesion and Security, Bengrina accused the UAE of focusing its regional role on promoting the normalization of ties with Israel and influencing other Arab nations through financial means. He alleged that the UAE’s actions, driven by financial incentives, have led to discord and turmoil in several countries, including Morocco, Niger, Mali, Libya, and Tunisia.
Bengrina said: “Wherever the UAE goes in any region, it creates tensions for the Algerian state, whether it’s through its movements inside Morocco, Niger and Mali, or the chaos that is taking place in Libya, or the ominous movements, as I said earlier, in Tunisia.”
Highlighting his previous warnings about the UAE’s influence on Tunisia, Bengrina expressed confidence in President Kais Saied’s resistance to normalization with Israel. However, he cautioned that the UAE might attempt to exploit political divisions within Tunisia.
The Algerian party leader called for vigilance and solidarity with President Saied to prevent any attempts at political manipulation or blackmail. He underscored the importance of Algeria standing beside Tunisia to safeguard its sovereignty and political autonomy.