What the Recent American-Algerian Military Cooperation Means for United States Influence in Northern Africa

Algerian navy trains aboard a Tunisian maritime vessel (GetArchive).

The United States and Algeria signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen military ties between the two countries on January 22, 2025. The agreement is the latest development in the U.S. seeking to counter Russian influence in Northern Africa and comes amid an increase in isolationist rhetoric from the new U.S. administration. As the United States expands its global influence through a more militaristic approach, the MOU signals a departure from the soft-power, incentive-based strategy employed in previous administrations.

U.S. Marine Corps General Michael Langley, Commander of U.S. Africa Command, met with General Saïd Chanegriha, Algerian Minister Delegate to the Minister of National Defense, to commemorate the signing. The recent MOU stipulates various new agreements that will closely tie the militaries of the United States and Algeria together and aims to bring stability to the region. The agreement will lead to closer alliances in military training, counter-terrorism measures, and maritime exploration. The MOU is a preliminary plan for cooperation, meaning that the countries will hold an annual Joint Military Commission to identify specific goals and areas of collaboration. 

Although an MOU is not a legally binding agreement, it publicly signals U.S. intent to increase and expand its influence in Northern Africa. Russia has invested in the region with an intent to undermine Western presence. Valuable natural resources such as oil, gold, natural gas, minerals, and a growing population have incentivized Russia to do so. These factors, coupled with consistent political instability in Northern African countries, have provided the foundation for Russia to gain influence and expand its arms sales. 

Many have criticized America’s lack of investment and diminishing presence in Africa. However, it is difficult to increase influence in the region. Political instability has often led to the rise of Islamist militant groups that frequently come into conflict with the acting governments and advocate against Western involvement in the region. For example, in 2024, a coup in Niger led the country to end its longstanding counter-terrorism agreement with the United States. Russia has become an external source of funding for arms deals and infrastructure development for governments that do not want to appear close to the West but still depend on external investment and funding. The Wagner Group, a Russian mercenary organization, has further solidified the region's dependence on Russia through military support. Additionally, the U.S. alliance with Israel has contributed to resistance from some Northern African countries that do not support Israel’s role in the Hamas War. 

For these reasons, the Algerian MOU signals a critical turning point for the United States. It provides a clear outline for military cooperation, which is an attempt to reassess influence in the region while promoting political stability. With Russia’s invasion into Ukraine, it is clear that the Trump administration recognizes that Russia’s influence in Northern Africa directly undermines American interests abroad and signals a greater expansionist trend from Russia. However, with the dismantling of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), it seems that there is a shift in how the United States is seeking to expand its influence. The Trump administration favors a more militaristic approach rather than one based on humanitarian assistance or cultural influence. 

Whether the new Algerian MOU will lead to a long-term and strategic shifting of alliances within the region is still uncertain. What remains clear is the United States’ explicit interest in Algeria demonstrates a shifting of priorities and an attempt to reestablish ties in Northern Africa.