For a long time, the junta in Algiers manipulated the region. In their quest to appear as a necessary stabilization force, they created false flag issues in the Sahel, while France observed from a distance, allowing this arrangement as long as it aligned with their interests. This was without counting on the rise of younger military leaders whose actions reshaped the geopolitical map of the region.
While Algeria does share borders with at least 3 Sahel countries, Algeria is not really in the mindset of the Sahel. It's a new country formed just 60 years ago from land they like to say was "inherited from the colonial era" - land that isn't truly theirs but stolen from 7 countries, 8 if you count Kabylia too. Algeria was a non-existent entity before its creation by France, and their relationship has been complex throughout history.
Perhaps now their loyalty coincides more with their old Soviet-era upbringing (their military, after all, does most of their shopping in Moscow). Still, Algeria has no loyalty to anyone. Recently they even proposed an alliance with the U.S., disregarding their longtime partners in Moscow. How could they be loyal to land they inherited rather than land that would rightfully be theirs? This, added to their bully attitude, is why they are not well-liked in the region, where everyone just has to deal with them.
For a long time, the junta in Algiers manipulated the region. In their quest to appear as a necessary stabilization force, they created false flag issues in the Sahel, while France observed from a distance, allowing this arrangement as long as it aligned with their interests. This was without counting on the rise of younger military leaders whose actions reshaped the geopolitical map of the region.
While Algeria does share borders with at least 3 Sahel countries, Algeria is not really in the mindset of the Sahel. It's a new country formed just 60 years ago from land they like to say was "inherited from the colonial era" - land that isn't truly theirs but stolen from 7 countries, 8 if you count Kabylia too. Algeria was a non-existent entity before its creation by France, and their relationship has been complex throughout history.
Perhaps now their loyalty coincides more with their old Soviet-era upbringing (their military, after all, does most of their shopping in Moscow). Still, Algeria has no loyalty to anyone. Recently they even proposed an alliance with the U.S., disregarding their longtime partners in Moscow. How could they be loyal to land they inherited rather than land that would rightfully be theirs? This, added to their bully attitude, is why they are not well-liked in the region, where everyone just has to deal with them.