What is Nicolas Lerner, Director of the DGSE doing in Algiers?
Despite the suspension of security cooperation since this summer, Algiers has agreed to receive Nicolas Lerner, demonstrating its willingness to maintain open dialogue despite recent accusations of espionage.
According to information obtained by Le Figaro, Nicolas Lerner, Director-General of the Directorate-General for External Security (DGSE), visited Algiers on Monday, January 13, accompanied by a high-level delegation. An internet user tracking the movements of certain aircraft reported on X that a Falcon 2000EX, belonging to the Presidential Transport Group, departed Villacoublay at 6:48 a.m. heading to Algiers, before returning at 11:54 a.m.
No official statement was made regarding this visit, but in the context of suspended security cooperation, this move can be interpreted as a positive signal. It reflects the willingness of both parties to ease tensions between Paris and Algiers and preserve certain communication channels.
A Bilateral Relationship in Crisis
This visit takes place during a period of intense crisis between the two countries. In December, Algerian media accused French intelligence of orchestrating a plot to destabilize Algeria.
A documentary aired on Algerian television presented the testimony of a 35-year-old man, a former Daesh fighter who served a three-year sentence in Algeria. According to him, he was contacted in 2022 by a French association, Artemis, and later by a French diplomat claiming to be a DGSE member. This diplomat allegedly asked him to travel to Niger, approach radical Islamists in Algiers, and gather sensitive information, particularly about surveillance systems and police patrols. He was also tasked with forming a terrorist group with his former cellmates to carry out attacks in Algeria.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot rejected these accusations, calling them “baseless.” In Paris, it is asserted that France has no interest in destabilizing Algeria, emphasizing instead the numerous areas of agreement between the two countries, particularly the situation in the Sahel and issues related to Franco-Algerian jihadists.
Escalation of Tensions
Emmanuel Macron’s recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara in July marked a breaking point, exacerbating tensions. The situation further deteriorated with the arrest of writer Boualem Sansal in November and Algeria’s refusal to accept a deportee from France.
Last Friday, Jean-Noël Barrot stated on LCI that he was ready to visit Algeria to address these issues. This statement seems to have resonated in Algiers.
Is There a Bargain Over Algerian Opponents in France?
Some media outlets linked to Algerian intelligence are promoting the idea on social networks that France is negotiating the extradition of certain opponents to Algeria, including Hicham Aboud, Ferhat Mehenni, Brahim Belabaci, and Amir Boukhors. This absurd theory holds no weight.
In France, the mandates of domestic intelligence services (DGSI) and external intelligence services (DGSE) are clearly defined, and no agency oversteps its jurisdiction. The case of Algerian opponents in France can only be handled by DGSI, as these individuals reside in French territory and hold political refugee status.
Regardless of what is said about French intelligence, in a state of law, these services adhere to France’s core values: respect for human rights and democratic freedoms. They are fully aware that extraditing these opponents would mean complicity in crimes against humanity committed by Algerian authorities. France has never done this and will not start now, especially after President Emmanuel Macron’s speech on January 6, in which he candidly stated: “We will stand alongside all freedom fighters—teachers, writers, journalists—when they are imprisoned, regardless of the regime or our interests. We have always done this and will continue to do so.”
