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A confidential diplomatic memorandum obtained by investigative outlet Mediapart reveals the United Arab Emirates has orchestrated a sophisticated influence campaign targeting French political institutions. The 13-page document, dispatched in August by the UAE foreign ministry’s European directorate to embassy official Ahmed al-Mulla, outlines a “multi-sectoral mobilisation strategy” designed to pressure French authorities into intensifying measures against the Muslim Brotherhood and affiliated organizations.

The memo characterizes France as a “target country” with an increasingly favorable environment for monitoring Islamist networks. It explicitly states its objective: “to encourage French authorities to strengthen measures – whether restrictions, designations, or tightened regulatory oversights of MB-linked entities” through channels that align with France’s domestic frameworks.

The strategy advocates simultaneous engagement across multiple levels of the French system, including the Presidency, Prime Minister’s Office, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, security services, parliamentary bodies, civil society, and media outlets. It emphasizes discreet cultivation of relationships with key advisers in President Emmanuel Macron’s inner circle to influence presidential decision-making.

Operational tactics include providing pre-written documents designed for “reusable” circulation within French authorities, building networks of sympathetic parliamentarians who can advance legislative measures, and collaborating with think tanks to shape public narrative. The memo particularly notes receptiveness among center-right and far-right political factions to the UAE’s arguments about Islamist dangers.

This revelation reinforces existing concerns about Emirati interference in French politics, following previous investigations into disinformation campaigns targeting Qatar. The document acknowledges potential backlash, warning that “any involvement perceived as intrusive could provoke a backlash and harm the UAE’s contribution,” highlighting the operation’s sensitivity.

Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune hosted Saudi Arabia’s Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud in Algiers on Monday for high-level discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing security cooperation between the two nations.

The Saudi delegation delivered formal greetings from King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, expressing royal wishes for Algeria’s continued progress and prosperity. This diplomatic engagement occurs against the backdrop of escalating tensions between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, two traditional allies now pursuing competing strategic interests across North and East Africa.

Long-standing regional partners Saudi Arabia and the UAE have experienced growing policy divergences, particularly evident in their opposing stances in conflicts within Yemen and Sudan. Algeria finds itself at the center of this geopolitical reconfiguration, with multiple reports indicating potential diplomatic rupture between Algiers and Abu Dhabi.

Algerian media outlet El-Khabar has reported that Algeria is considering severing diplomatic relations with the UAE due to activities perceived as destabilizing and hostile to both Algerian national unity and broader Arab interests. Algerian authorities have repeatedly criticized, without explicitly naming, what they describe as destabilization maneuvers and interference contrary to collective Arab objectives.

Official Algerian circles have specifically accused the UAE embassy of “suspicious moves” and characterized the Emirati ambassador as being “on a mission to destabilize” the country. The UAE stands accused of supporting the Paris-based Movement for the Self-Determination of Kabylie (MAK), a separatist organization advocating independence for Algeria’s predominantly Amazigh Kabylia region.

Reports indicate the UAE has established communications with MAK, which also receives support from both Israel and Morocco. This development occurs as both Gulf nations pursue distinct international partnerships: Saudi Arabia recently signed a defense agreement with Pakistan, while the UAE concurrently agreed to deepen defense and trade ties with India.

In a significant ruling against corruption within China’s disciplinary apparatus, the Shanghai First Intermediate People’s Court has sentenced former senior Hainan official Chen Xiaobo to 12 years imprisonment with a 3 million yuan ($430,000) fine for systematic bribery offenses. The verdict, delivered on Tuesday, concludes a high-profile case that exposes corruption within anti-graft institutions themselves.

Chen, who held dual powerful positions as deputy secretary of Hainan’s provincial discipline inspection commission and deputy director of the provincial supervisory commission, was convicted of accepting bribes exceeding 37 million yuan between 2007 and 2024. The court mandated complete confiscation of all illicit assets and accrued interest, which will be transferred to state treasury coffers.

Evidence presented during proceedings revealed Chen exploited his authoritative positions to facilitate unlawful benefits for various organizations and individuals. His corrupt activities included manipulating land acquisition processes, influencing construction contract awards, and orchestrating improper job appointments in exchange for substantial financial rewards.

Despite the ‘particularly large’ sums involved, the court acknowledged several mitigating circumstances. Judicial authorities noted Chen’s partial cooperation with investigators, voluntary admission to most charges, demonstrated remorse, and successful recovery of all illicit proceeds. The court characterized portions of his offenses as attempted acts, contributing to the reduced sentencing considerations.

In a significant demonstration of resumed royal duties, King Salman bin Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia personally convened and chaired a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, January 20, 2026. This public appearance came just days after the monarch’s brief hospitalization for comprehensive medical evaluations at a Riyadh medical facility last Friday. Saudi state television broadcast verified footage showing the 88-year-old king actively engaged in governmental proceedings, reviewing official documents alongside his ministers.

The cabinet session addressed matters of international diplomacy, with the King formally expressing Saudi Arabia’s endorsement of U.S. President Donald Trump’s recently established ‘Board of Peace’ initiative. This diplomatic gesture reinforces the enduring strategic alliance between the Kingdom and the United States, particularly significant given Saudi Arabia’s position as the world’s leading oil exporter and a pivotal Middle Eastern power.

The monarch’s prompt return to official responsibilities carries substantial symbolic weight, effectively dispelling concerns about his health status following his 2024 treatment for lung inflammation. The transparent dissemination of this development through official state media channels underscores the government’s commitment to maintaining stability and continuity in leadership during a period of regional geopolitical significance.