Algeria has failed to secure a seat on the African Union Peace and Security Council (PSC), in a major diplomatic setback, despite an intensive campaign to regain a seat it considers vital for its regional influence.
This failure is a blow to Algerian diplomatic efforts and highlights its struggle to maintain influence within the African Union. Sources suggest that many African countries refrained from supporting Algeria due to concerns about its foreign policy, which is characterized by interference and strained relations with various countries.
The vote was conducted by secret ballot, making it impossible to ascertain which specific countries declined to endorse Algeria’s candidacy. The elections took place during the 46th Ordinary Session of the AU Executive Council, preceding the 38th Ordinary Summit of the African Union, scheduled for February 15-16 in Addis Ababa.
This outcome contrasts sharply with Morocco’s successful election to the same council, where it obtained more than two-thirds of the votes. Algeria, which enjoyed considerable influence within the Peace and Security Council between 2003 and 2021, had hoped to regain its lost influence.