Allies:

Russia:

  • Algeria maintains a significant strategic partnership with Russia, characterized by cooperation in various fields such as defense, energy, and diplomacy.
  • Both countries share historical ties dating back to the Cold War era when Algeria was aligned with the Soviet Union. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, relations between Algeria and Russia continued, with a focus on defense cooperation and arms sales.
  • Algeria values its relationship with Russia as a counterbalance to Western influence in the region and as a source of military equipment and technology.

China:

  • Algeria also enjoys a close and growing relationship with China, based on economic cooperation, trade, and investment.
  • China has become one of Algeria’s key economic partners, particularly in infrastructure development, energy projects, and manufacturing.
  • Algeria views China as a valuable partner for its economic diversification efforts and infrastructure development plans, while China sees Algeria as an important market for its goods and services in North Africa.

Enemies:

Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM):

  • Algeria has faced security threats from Islamist extremist groups operating in the region, including Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), which has carried out terrorist attacks targeting Algerian security forces, civilians, and foreign interests.
  • Algeria has actively countered the presence of AQIM and other jihadist militants through military operations, intelligence sharing, and regional cooperation.
  • The Algerian government views AQIM as a threat to its national security and stability and has worked to disrupt its activities and dismantle its networks in the country and the wider Sahel region.

Some Regional Separatist Groups:

  • Algeria has also faced challenges from regional separatist movements, particularly in areas like Kabylie and the Western Sahara.
  • In Kabylie, some Berber groups have advocated for greater autonomy or independence from the Algerian state, leading to periodic protests, unrest, and clashes with security forces.
  • In the Western Sahara, Algeria has supported the Polisario Front, a separatist movement seeking independence for the territory from Morocco. Algeria’s support for the Polisario Front has strained its relations with Morocco and contributed to regional tensions in North Africa.
  • While Algeria seeks to maintain stability and territorial integrity within its borders, it has faced internal and external pressures from separatist movements seeking political autonomy or independence.