Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has vehemently rejected allegations of a secret military pact with Tunisia that would compromise Tunisian sovereignty. The controversy emerged following the online circulation of a document purporting to detail clandestine cooperation terms between the North African neighbors.
President Tebboune characterized the allegations as a deliberate ‘attempt to destabilize’ the longstanding friendship between Algeria and Tunisia. ‘There are parties seeking to sow discord between Algeria and Tunisia, believing it would facilitate their infiltration,’ Tebboune stated during an address to the nation before both houses of parliament.
The dispute originates from an official military cooperation agreement signed on October 7, designed to enhance joint training, intelligence sharing, and coordination against cross-border threats. Tunisian defense officials clarified this was merely an update to a 2001 agreement intended to adapt to regional security developments.
However, on December 17, a document labeled as a leaked version of the agreement began circulating online, suggesting controversial provisions including authorization for Algerian forces to operate 50km inside Tunisian territory to combat terrorists or address civil unrest. The alleged document also stipulated Tunisia would require Algerian approval for security agreements with third countries and would provide logistical support and natural resources as compensation.
Geopolitical expert Akram Kharief, editor-in-chief of Mena Defense, conducted a thorough analysis revealing multiple inconsistencies indicating the document is a forgery. Kharief identified errors in official headings, security classifications, military ranks, ministerial names, and constitutional violations regarding foreign military interventions.
Tunisian President Kais Saied had previously denied the rumors on December 18, condemning what he called ‘fabricated documents’ and actions harming the Tunisian people. The situation highlights ongoing regional tensions and concerns about transparency in international security agreements amid Tunisia’s political climate following President Saied’s 2021 consolidation of power.