French President Emmanuel Macron plans to meet with ministers to address Algeria’s perceived hostility following Macron’s support for Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara. Relations have deteriorated, highlighted by the imprisonment of Franco-Algerian author Boualem Sansal and the arrest of influencers. Algeria is reportedly working to reduce French economic influence, while French officials express concerns about the escalating tensions. Both nations remain at an impasse, with neither willing to back down, complicating the diplomatic crisis further.
France and Algeria: A Deteriorating Diplomatic Relationship
In the coming days, French President Emmanuel Macron will convene with key ministers to evaluate necessary actions in response to what Paris views as a ‘hostile stance’ from Algeria, as stated by Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot on Wednesday.
The relationship between France and Algeria has seen a significant decline since Macron acknowledged Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara in July, which sparked outrage in Algiers, a long-time ally of the Polisario Front independence movement.
Challenges and Tensions Ahead
The situation has worsened recently, highlighted by the imprisonment of Franco-Algerian author Boualem Sansal and the arrest of several Algerian influencers in France for making incendiary public comments.
Jean-Noël Barrot emphasized in the National Assembly that the France-Algeria relationship is unique, describing it as one of ‘deep intimacy.’ He pointed out that cooperation requires mutual willingness, and the reasons behind Algeria’s current stance are not reflective of its own interests. Barrot expressed openness to travel to Algeria for discussions to navigate this crisis.
Despite maintaining diplomatic channels, French officials report a relationship that is nearing a breaking point. They claim Algeria is actively working to diminish French economic influence, with trade exchanges plummeting by about one-third since summer. Reports indicate a concerted effort by Algeria to create a challenging environment for French businesses, particularly affecting wheat exporters.
The political and cultural dimensions of this standoff are also significant. Macron recently remarked that Algeria is entering ‘a history that dishonors it’ due to the arbitrary detention of writer Boualem Sansal, whose health has been declining. Additionally, the expulsion of an influencer from Algeria received considerable attention, with Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau suggesting that Algeria aims to ‘humiliate’ France.
Barrot condemned this action as a serious violation of the governing texts between the two nations. In response, the Algerian Foreign Ministry denied any intent to escalate tensions, accusing certain factions within the French government of spreading disinformation.
The political discourse in France, particularly from La France insoumise (LFI), criticized Retailleau for exacerbating the situation, highlighting the close ties and mutual respect shared between the French and Algerian people.
Analyst Jalel Harchaoui noted that despite calls from some political leaders in Paris for Algeria to ease its stance, Algeria remains resolute. The country feels more empowered by France’s diminished economic significance compared to previous years.
Ultimately, both nations find themselves in a deepening deadlock, with neither side prepared to concede or acknowledge any wrongdoing, rendering this diplomatic crisis increasingly complex.