France-Algeria Diplomatic Tensions: Tebboune Seeks Reconciliation with Macron.

 

 

 

The diplomatic relationship between France and Algeria has been marked by turbulence in recent months, but Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has taken a step toward de-escalation. In a televised interview on March 22, Tebboune emphasized his commitment to resolving tensions through direct dialogue with his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, describing him as his "alter ego."

A Dispute "Created from Scratch"

According to Tebboune, the crisis between the two nations stemmed from misunderstandings rather than fundamental disagreements. He downplayed the severity of the conflict, stating, “We are keeping President Macron as the sole point of reference,” reinforcing the idea that any diplomatic resolution should come directly from interactions between the two leaders.

Algeria’s Foreign Minister, Ahmed Attaf, also played a key role in the ongoing discussions, with Tebboune expressing full confidence in him. The Algerian government has framed the situation as a politically motivated attack by "the French extreme right," seeking to damage relations between the two countries.

The Western Sahara Issue: A Key Friction Point

One of the primary sources of tension has been France’s position on Western Sahara. Macron’s strong support for Morocco’s autonomy plan for the disputed territory in July 2024 angered Algeria, which has long backed the independence-seeking Polisario Front. In response, Algiers withdrew its ambassador from Paris, signaling a major diplomatic rift.

While Tebboune clarified that Algeria has no objections to France’s ties with Morocco, he criticized the visits of French officials—such as Minister of Culture Rachida Dati and Senate President Gérard Larcher—to Western Sahara. He argued that these visits violated international law, as the region’s status remains unresolved under the United Nations framework.

The Case of Boualem Sansal and Freedom of Expression

Another point of contention has been the arrest of Franco-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal, who was recently tried in Algiers for statements made on the far-right French media platform Frontières. French President Macron has urged Algeria to resolve the case swiftly, citing concerns over Sansal’s health and calling for a fair outcome.

Tebboune, however, dismissed the issue as overblown, asserting his belief that "all this is not serious." The trial has further fueled tensions, with Macron stating that the matter needs to be "cleaned up" to restore trust between the two nations.

Immigration and the OQTF Disputes

Another significant diplomatic challenge involves France’s handling of Algerian nationals under Obligation de Quitter le Territoire Français (OQTF), orders that mandate deportation. Algeria previously refused to accept certain expelled nationals, particularly in cases where the individuals were political dissidents or asylum seekers.

The situation escalated in January 2025, when France expelled Algerian figures accused of threatening opponents of the Algerian government. The crisis peaked after a tragic attack in Mulhouse, committed by an Algerian national who had multiple OQTFs against him. French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau warned of "measured but firm" responses if Algeria continued resisting deportations.

Tebboune responded by highlighting the complexity of the issue, noting that some Algerians facing OQTFs were accused of merely "denouncing the genocide in Gaza." He framed the matter as one of freedom of expression, suggesting that France’s approach to deportations was politically motivated.

What’s Next for France and Algeria?

While tensions remain high, Tebboune’s latest statements indicate a willingness to move forward with diplomatic engagement. By reaffirming his relationship with Macron, he hopes to stabilize relations and shift the focus toward cooperation rather than confrontation.

However, unresolved issues such as Western Sahara, press freedom, and immigration policies will continue to test the strength of Franco-Algerian ties in the coming months. Whether this latest effort at reconciliation succeeds will depend on both sides’ ability to navigate these longstanding disputes.

What do you think about the future of France-Algeria relations? Will diplomacy prevail, or will tensions continue to rise? Share your thoughts in the comments!