Algerian President: No retreat from decision to cut ties with UAE

Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboun affirmed that his country will not back down from its decision to sever diplomatic relations with the UAE, stressing that stability in the Sahel is achieved through development, not militarization. Tebboun quoted poetry, accused the UAE of tyranny, and addressed the Western Sahara issue. He also revealed the allocation of $900 million to compensate victims of forest fires, noting that some fires were deliberately set.

Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboun, in a televised interview with local media, affirmed that his country will not retreat from its decision to cut diplomatic relations with the UAE. Tebboun quoted a line of poetry when asked about the decision: "I taught him archery, and when his arm grew strong, he shot me," adding, "Is the reward for goodness anything but goodness?" He accused the UAE of practicing "tyranny to control Algeria." He said, "When we decide, we will not retreat. The reasons for cutting ties with the UAE are very well known, and we did not take this decision until the knife reached the bone." He also stressed that no one can force the Sahrawi people to give up their rights, and that the decision lies with the Sahrawis as they negotiate it with Morocco. Tebboun revealed the allocation of $900 million to compensate victims of forest fires, noting that the 2021 fires resulted in the deaths of 80 soldiers. He confirmed that some recent fires were deliberately set, and investigations are ongoing.