France and Algeria rekindle diplomatic ties after tensions

Relations between France and Algeria have taken a new turn as both nations seek to mend a historically complex relationship marked by political strife. Following months of strained interactions, French President Emmanuel Macron and his Algerian counterpart, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, have agreed to reestablish political dialogue and enhance cooperation on security and migration.

This development occurred during a significant phone call that heralded a shift in diplomatic tone. Both leaders expressed commitment to resuming exchanges in various fields, with French Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin anticipated to visit Algiers in the near future.

President Macron has also urged President Tebboune to extend clemency to Boualem Sansal, a French-Algerian author recently sentenced to five years in prison by an Algerian court. Sansal, a well-known critic of the Algerian government, had previously drawn ire for comments made during an interview with Frontières, a French media outlet. In this interview, he supported Morocco’s assertion that parts of its territory were ceded to Algeria during the French colonial period.

The Élysée Palace characterized Macron's appeal for clemency as a plea for “humanity,” highlighting Sansal’s age and health issues. His detention, which began in November, has exacerbated the diplomatic rift between France and Algeria.

In a further effort to restore ties, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot is scheduled to visit Algiers on April 6 at the invitation of his Algerian counterpart, Ahmed Attaf.

The ongoing relationship between France and Algeria remains intricate, deeply influenced by a legacy of political tensions. The recent discord intensified after Macron acknowledged Morocco's sovereignty over its southern provinces in July 2024, a statement that elicited strong criticism from Algiers. Macron reiterated his support for Morocco’s autonomy plan during a state visit in October, further straining relations between the two nations.

In his address to Morocco’s Parliament, Macron articulated France's position on Sahara, saying, “I reaffirm here that for France, the present and future of this territory fall within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty.” This declaration has only served to deepen the divide between Paris and Algiers.