Summary:

In early March 2025, Algerian Ambassador to the US Sabri Boukadoum stressed the importance of the relationship between the two countries in the military and security fields. Boukadoum’s comments follow the 22 January 2025 signing of a bilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which aims to enhance military and security cooperation between Algeria and the United States. 

During a media appearance, the Ambassador shed light on the upcoming working groups between defense and military representatives from the US and Algeria, confirming that they will form three new working groups to establish the MOU implementation plan and define their next steps. 

Boukadoum also mentioned this cooperation will open the doors for more strategic partnerships such as in maritime intelligence, search and rescue operations, and counterterrorism efforts in and around the Sahel. 

Outlook: 

The relationship between Algeria and the United States has a history of tension, particularly during the first presidential term of US President Donald Trump. During that period, the US formally recognized Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara.  

As a diplomatic crisis has played out with France and across the region over the issue of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara, Algeria has had increasingly strained relations with all of its neighbors, except of Tunisia. 

The recent military agreement between Algeria and the US reflects Algiers efforts to rebuild diplomatic ties with Washington and a unique alignment of interests with the US which has otherwise had very little discussion with Algiers. It may also serve as a strategic move toward reaffirming its leadership in the region by demonstrating a level of openness to international dialogue that was previously been considered unnecessary or risky. 

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