Russia-Algeria relations

Historical ties

Algeria used to be a French colony. It became independent in 1962 after a war that lasted 8 years. The USSR was a key support for Algeria. It provided material and training. It was also the first to recognize Algeria as a state. Diplomatic relations begun a few months before the independence.

The USSR and Algeria made a deal on economic cooperation. The USSR helped reconstruct the country. It helped in many sectors:

- Industry

- Agriculture

- Energy

- Mining

- Metallurgy

USSR also granted Algeria a loan of 90 million rubles.

There was a bit of tension in the 90’s. Algeria stopped making loan repayments. It also joined NATO’s Mediterranean dialogue. But this did not lead to long-term tensions. Leaders quickly pushed to restore ties. A joint commission was put into place on trade, economic and scientific work. Since, they have formed partnerships on hydrocarbons. This includes projects on pipelines constructions and renovation. But also, on exploration of reserves.

Plus, in 2006, Algeria’s 5,7 billion dollars debt was forgiven. Algeria gave a 7,5 billion dollars arms deal to Russia instead. It was the first big African arms deal of Russia as a state post-USSR.

The supply of weapons was always a key aspect of their ties, whether with the USSR or Russia. The USSR was Algeria’s primary arms supplier. In the 90’s, about 90% of its stock was of Soviet origin. This defense relationship deepened after the collapse of the USSR.

Weapons supply

Algeria is often among the top buyers of Russia’s weapons. Russia plays a key role in Algeria’s defense supply. Recent data shows that about 48% Algeria’s arms imports in recent years came from Russia. Up to 70% of Algeria’s current inventory is of Soviet/Russian origin. Most systems supplied are fighter jets, air defense systems, tanks, and submarines. Algeria recently acquired SU-57 fighter jets. These are 5^th generation jets. A total of 12 should be delivered. It is the first Arab and African country to deploy this system. For Algeria, it is a way of keeping an advantage over its neighbors. For Russia, it is a way to keep influence in Maghreb and ties with Algeria. But it is also positive for its defense exports in a war and sanctions context.

The U.S. disapproves the Su-57 purchases. It threatens of sanctions. The Department of State talked about possible CAATSA measures. CAATSA stands for Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act. This is the sanction system used for Iran, North Korea, and Russia. It can extend to any state collaborating with these states’ defense systems. These measures include:

- Assets freeze for Algeria’s leaders

- Access to the dollar denominated financial system blocked

- Isolation for Sonatrach, the state-owned oil giant

Alignments and disagreements

During the Cold War, Algeria took an active stand in the non-alignment movement. It cooperated with both the USSR and the U.S. It never officially supported one side or the other. Algeria is as former colony. So, it was wary of imperial powers looking down on Third World state. It did not want to be used as proxy and wanted to keep its autonomy. But there was question whether Algeria was really neutral. The mass purchases of weapons, training and other ties with USSR hindered that non-aligned position.

Today, they both share a common worldview:

- Multipolar global order

- Rejection of liberal interventionism

- Opposition to Western sanctions

Algeria seems to informally take Russia’s side on the Ukraine war. It avoids condemning Russia. In UN votes, it abstains or takes neutral positions. Plus, it keeps strong ties with Russia while ties with the West, especially France, are often tough. Unlike Western states, Russia imposes no political conditions to Algeria.

Russia on the other hand recently angered Algeria. It supported Morocco’s plan on Western Sahara. This issue is a key source of tension with Algeria. Russia also has strong ties with Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. But these states form a united front against Algeria. Despite its ties with Algeria, Russia put its own interest first.

Decoding geopolitics isn’t a job. It’s survival.

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