Algeria's foreign ministry has formally accused the United Arab Emirates of attempting to sway the results of two presidential elections in Africa. The ministry said the Emirati government engaged in covert activities aimed at influencing voter sentiment and the political environment surrounding the contests.
According to the statement released by the Algerian authorities, the alleged interference targeted the Algerian presidential election as well as a second election in a neighbouring country. The ministry described the actions as an infringement on the sovereign right of peoples to determine their own leadership without external pressure.
The Algerian government did not provide detailed evidence in the public statement, but indicated that diplomatic channels had been used to convey concerns to the UAE. It also warned that any further attempts to meddle in the electoral process would be met with a firm response, underscoring the importance of respecting national autonomy.
The United Arab Emirates has not publicly responded to the accusations at the time of writing. Earlier reports have linked the UAE to political outreach and media campaigns across the continent, but officials have consistently denied any involvement in electoral manipulation.
The claim emerges amid heightened scrutiny of foreign influence in African politics, where several Gulf states have been reported to pursue strategic partnerships and soft‑power initiatives. Observers note that such allegations, if substantiated, could strain diplomatic ties between Algeria and the UAE and potentially affect broader regional cooperation.
Algeria's foreign ministry reiterated its commitment to a transparent and fair electoral process, urging all parties to refrain from external interference. The ministry also called on international partners to respect the principle of non‑intervention in domestic affairs.
The situation highlights ongoing concerns about the role of external actors in shaping political outcomes on the continent, a theme that has featured prominently in recent analyses of African electoral integrity.
Reporting attribution: based on reporting by The Africa Report — original source: https://www.theafricareport.com/431261/algeria-accuses-uae-of-trying-to-sway-two-presidential-elections/.