Algeria's Gas Pipeline Ambitions Amid Criticism of Morocco
On October 3, 2026, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune addressed a range of topics during a televised interview, notably focusing on Algeria's economic strategies, including salaries, investments, and foreign currency reserves. However, the conversation inevitably shifted towards Morocco, as Tebboune critiqued the Atlantic gas pipeline while also making statements regarding the Sahara dispute. His defense of the trans-Saharan gas pipeline, which is intended to transport gas from Nigeria to Europe via Niger and Algeria, underscored Algeria’s intent to position itself as a significant player in the energy sector. He emphasized that Algeria maintains its own resources and will primarily serve as a transit country for this project.
In his remarks, Tebboune juxtaposed the trans-Saharan pipeline with the competing initiative supported by Morocco and Nigeria. He claimed that the latter would traverse 14 countries, each extracting 5% of the gas, alongside transit fees. "What will be left at the end? Just air!" he exclaimed, using this argument to challenge the economic viability of the Atlantic route. His comparison was intended to present the Algerian route as the superior choice, as he announced the continuation of construction efforts within Algeria and the dispatch of teams to Niger for topographical surveys. Meanwhile, he noted that the Moroccan project must also cater to African nations, raising questions about its overall benefit to Europe.
Diplomatic Tensions and Support for the Polisario Front
As the interview progressed, the focus shifted to diplomatic relations, particularly regarding the Sahara conflict. Citing a report from _El Khabar_, Tebboune mentioned meetings held in the United States that revolved around the Sahara issue. He characterized Morocco and the Polisario Front as the primary parties in this conflict, while Algeria and Mauritania were framed as observer nations. Despite this positioning, he reaffirmed Algeria's support for the Polisario Front and declared that Algeria would accept any resolution agreed upon by the Sahrawis. This duality in presentation portrayed Morocco as both a competitor in the energy landscape and a key player in the ongoing Sahara negotiations.
Tebboune's remarks are part of a broader narrative that has been consistent in his engagements. In a February 2025 interview with L'Opinion, he already described relations with Morocco as "almost a game of chess," framing Algeria's responses as reactions to perceived hostile actions. Additionally, when questioned about Franco-Moroccan relations, he noted that while they did not concern Algeria, he criticized certain high-profile visits to the Sahara by French politicians, labeling them as ostentatious.
As the Atlantic gas pipeline project continues to seek funding, recent reports indicate significant financial commitments towards the Nigeria-Morocco pipeline, underscoring the competitive dynamics at play in the region. On October 5, 2026, _Punch_ revealed that the Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline is among three key investments backed by a loan of 473.8 billion naira from NNPC to its gas subsidiary in 2025.
As reported by bladi.net.
