Diplomatic Relations Between France and Algeria Have not Been Worse Since 1962

Franco-Algerian relations have always been complex and sensitive, shaped by a long and painful colonial history which continues to influence the two countries’ political and diplomatic dynamics. In recent years, tensions have steadily increased due to disagreements over memory, migration, and regional influence. In the past few days, these tensions have escalated even further; diplomatic relations are now at their lowest point since Algeria secured independence in 1962.

The diplomatic crisis started when French President Emmanuel Macron announced his support for Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara. The region is subject to an ongoing conflict between the Kingdom of Morocco and the independentist Sahrawi movement, led by the Polisario Front. France had always refrained from explicitly supporting “Moroccan sovereignty”until now.

This position changed dramatically on July 30, 2024, when, in a letter addressed to the King of Morocco Mohammed VI, Emmanuel Macron stated that “the present and the future of Western Sahara were part of Moroccan sovereignty.” This French shift in position was perceived as an affront in Algeria, which supports the pro-independence Polisario Front.

Tensions have been further exacerbated by the arrest of Franco-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal. Sansal, who became a French citizen last year, is an Algerian author who writes in French. He was sentenced to five years in jail in Algeria in November 2024, a few weeks after making comments about Western Sahara belonging to Morocco in a French media. The elderly man, who is suffering from cancer, was accused of undermining national security by questioning Algeria’s borders. His arrest has not gone over well in France, where Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot recently stated that “Boualem Sansal’s detention is unjustifiable in view of the absurd charges against him, his age and his state of health.”

Another source of tensions emerged in March over Algerian nationals being subject to an Obligation to Leave French Territory (OQTF). Algiers refused to accept the return of around 60 Algerians classified as “dangerous,” which prompted the French Interior Minister to claim that February’s knife attack in Mulhouse would not have happened “if Algeria had respected the law and its obligations.”

Nevertheless, it seemed that relations had improved in the last month, and that the situation had started to de-escalate. A phone call between the two heads of state took place on March 31, after which Emmanuel Macron said that he had had a “long, frank and friendly exchange” with Algeria’s president. This was followed by a visit from Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot to Algiers on April 6. Barrot said “France wishes to turn the page on current tensions,” and that ties between the countries were returning to normal.

However, the situation escalated once again after French authorities arrested an Algerian official along with two other Algerians on April 11 over their suspected involvement in the April 2024 kidnapping of exiled Algerian opposition activist and influencer Amir Boukhors. The three men were indicted on charges including abduction, arbitrary detention and illegal confinement in connection with a terrorist enterprise according to France’s National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor’s Office, and placed in pre-trial detention.

Better known as “Amir DZ,” Amir Boukhors is an opponent of the Algerian government with more than a million followers on TikTok. He has been in France since 2016 and was granted political asylum in 2023. He was abducted in April 2024 and released the following day. The Algerian government has persisted in their demands that France return the dissident to their territory to face trial. They have issued nine international warrants against him, accusing him of fraud and terror offences.

Algerian officials considered the arrest an intentional humiliation of their country, especially given that one of the three detainees works at the Algerian consulate in France. In response, Algeria expulsed 12 French officials. Algeria’s Secretary of State Sofiane Chaib told Algerian national TV that French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau had “full responsibility for this new situation.” He condemned the arrest of the consular officer as “grotesque.” The Algerian foreign ministry asked for the immediate release of its consular officer, claiming that the “unprecedented” turn of events was “aimed at torpedoing the process of reviving bilateral relations.”

In response, Paris expelled 12 Algerian officials and recalled its ambassador Stéphane Romatet for consultations on April 15. The French president called the decision to expel French officials “unjustified and incomprehensible.” Both countries deny responsibility and blame the other. For Jean-Noël Barrot, “Algerians authorities have chosen the escalation.”

This latest crisis highlights the fragility of Franco-Algerian relations, which remain deeply influenced by a shared colonial past. Without a real commitment to dialogue, both sides risk turning a temporary dispute into a long-term breakdown and missing the opportunity to reshape their relationship on fairer, more balanced terms.