Moscow monitors situation in Algeria as protests continue
Russia is watching widespread Algerian protests with caution, wanting to preserve its assets in the country, as well as its strategic relationship.
Moscow is keeping an eye on Algeria as that country's political leadership undergoes major changes forced by massive but peaceful demonstrations against a fifth term for President Abdelaziz Bouteflika.
The largest protests against him attracted millions of people living in the largest cities, including Algiers, Constantine, Oran, Bejaia, Blida and Jijele, as well as tens of thousands of Algerians living abroad.
Algeria is one of Russia’s most significant trade partners in the region. From 2014-2018, Russia was Algeria's top arms supplier, providing 66% of Algeria's armament imports. That's no small figure, as Algeria was the world's fifth-largest weapons importer during that period.
Russia and Algeria are also important strategic partners, as provided for under a 2001 agreement. Al-Monitor has been keeping track of the relationship since 2017.
