By sending advisers to Algeria, including probably General Sergei Surowikin (called “General Armageddon”), a commander of an experienced in the wars in Syria and Ukraine, Russia shows that it has plans with this country to weaken the southern NATO flank. He also wants to diversify his African influence and go beyond Mali, the Central African Republic and Sudan, say American experts.
RLI believes that the strengthening of Moscow in North Africa may indicate that she wants to use the current conflict between Algeria and Morocco on the Western Sahara to strain the Moroccan-West bonds and Weaken the US influence in the discount.
According to RLI, the possibility of involved high -ranking characters, such as General Surowikin, indicates the meaning of Moscow's intention, and the coincidence of Algeria's interests with Russian strategic goals – especially in Western Sahara and Libya – It can change the geopolitical contours of the Mediterranean and Sahel.
Algerian sea ports are also important for the Kremlin. Especially after losing access to the Syrian port of Tartus-for years the only Mediterranean in the region, which was able to serve Russian submarines with diesel-electric drive, which require regular refueling and servicing.
The American Think Tank in connection with Russian activity in North Africa has recently recommended NATO to increase the transparency of intelligence exchange on Russia's activities on the African continent, and the European Union strengthening the diplomatic involvement with Algeria to reduce the harmful activities of Moscow. He also recommended encouraging Morocco and Algeria to dialogue in the Western Sahara case to limit Russia the possibility of manipulating this conflict.
Meanwhile, under the influence of Russia or without its participation, contrary to these recommendations, the relations of France – one of the main European actors in this part of Africa – with Algeria deteriorate overnight. On Monday, the Algerian authorities issued 15 French diplomats “for taking irregular positions”. In response on Tuesday, the French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot promised “an immediate and proportional answer”.
