Relations between Algeria and France: New Tensions after the Sansal Case
Relations between Algeria and Paris remain marked by a persistent cold atmosphere. On Sunday, January 5, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot was questioned by RTL about the state of bilateral relations. His statements confirmed there has been no progress toward improvement.
Algeria has been without an ambassador in France for over five months. This situation resulted from French President Emmanuel Macron’s decision in July to recognize Morocco’s “sovereignty” over Western Sahara. In response, Algeria recalled its ambassador to Paris, Saïd Moussi, on July 31.
A Series of Recurring Crises
This is the third crisis between the two countries in three years. The first occurred in 2021 following Emmanuel Macron’s comments on Algeria’s history. The second, in February 2023, involved the exfiltration of Algerian activist Amira Bouraoui to France via Tunisia.
However, the current crisis seems poised to last, fueled by new elements that further complicate the situation.
In November, the arrest in Algiers of Franco-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal prompted unprecedented attacks on Algeria and its leaders, particularly from the French far right. In December, Algerian state television aired the confessions of a former terrorist, accusing French intelligence services of attempting to manipulate him to create terrorist cells in Algeria. This led to the summons of the French ambassador to Algeria, Stéphane Romatet, by Algerian authorities.
Jean-Noël Barrot’s Comments
In this tense context, Jean-Noël Barrot addressed the question of relations with Algeria on RTL:
“We wish to maintain the best relations with Algeria, but that is not the case today.”
The minister emphasized the importance France places on the “Algiers Declaration for a Renewed Partnership,” signed during Emmanuel Macron’s 2022 visit, but noted that recent actions by Algerian authorities raise doubts about their commitment to this roadmap.
“To move forward, both parties need to be committed,” he added.
The Boualem Sansal Case at the Heart of Tensions
The case of Boualem Sansal, 75 years old and recently granted French nationality, remains a key point of contention. In November, he was arrested in Algeria after making controversial statements about French colonialism and the borders between Algeria and Morocco.
Jean-Noël Barrot expressed concern over Sansal’s health and condemned the rejection of his request for provisional release, which was decided by the Algerian Court of Appeals on December 11.
“France is deeply committed to freedom of expression and believes the reasons that led to his incarceration are not valid.”
The French minister previously described Sansal’s detention as “baseless” and “simply unacceptable,” aligning with the concerns expressed by Emmanuel Macron.
A Lasting Stalemate
With accusations of manipulation, mutual criticism, and a lack of constructive dialogue, relations between the two countries seem to be heading toward a prolonged crisis. Restoring trust between them appears to be a distant prospect.
