The developments span Sudan and Libya, extend to Yemen, and surface in the Maghreb, pointing to a period of strain for Emirati regional positioning, driven by conflicts where Abu Dhabi’s alignment has diverged from that of neighboring powers. The proposed arrangement is presented by Saudi officials as part of a broader effort to balance Emirati regional influence amid ongoing strategic competition between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi. Maghreb Tensions and the Algerian DimensionIn North Africa, Algeria has emerged as one of the most vocal critics of Emirati regional behavior. The tension reflects deeper disagreements over Libya, Sudan, Sahel security, and broader questions of external influence in North Africa. In Sudan and Libya, Emirati alignment has drawn sustained international and regional scrutiny.

Source: The North Africa Journal January 23, 2026 12:56 UTC