Algeria has severed diplomatic relations with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), accusing Abu Dhabi of a series of "provocative and hostile" actions despite repeated warnings.

The North African nation has also closed its airspace to the UAE, accusing the Gulf state of destabilising countries including Libya, Sudan and Mali. The UAE has reportedly said it hopes Algiers' decision will be temporary, adding that it remains committed to maintaining ties between the two countries' peoples and protecting their shared interests.

Lulu Gaboo spoke to Kenneth Kgwadi, a political scientist and a research fellow at the Middle East Africa Research Institute.