France and Algeria Renew Bilateral Relations Following Months of Tension
Presidents Macron and Tebboune affirm cooperation in security and migration after a phone call.
French President Emmanuel Macron and Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune confirmed today that their countries' relations have returned to normal after months of strain, as communicated in a joint statement following a phone call.
The leaders expressed their commitment to resuming cooperation in security and migration sectors.
In the statement, Macron expressed confidence in Tebboune’s wisdom and called for a ‘gesture of compassion and humanity’ towards Algerian-French writer Boualem Sansal, who has been sentenced to five years in prison by an Algerian court.
Both leaders reiterated their desire to reestablish the fruitful dialogue initiated by the Algeria Declaration made during Macron's visit in August 2022, which led to significant steps forward concerning issues of memory.
The joint statement highlighted the importance of the strong ties—particularly humanitarian links—between Algeria and France, emphasizing the strategic and security interests of both nations, as well as shared challenges and crises facing both Europe and the Mediterranean-African region.
These factors necessitate a return to equitable dialogue.
Macron and Tebboune underscored their mutual aspiration for an optimistic and calm relationship that respects the interests of both parties.
They also agreed on the immediate resumption of security cooperation.
Additionally, the leaders decided to promptly restore cooperation in migration, based on achieving outcomes that address the concerns of both nations.
To further enhance relations, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian is scheduled to visit Algeria on April 6 to expedite the ambitious plans both leaders envision for the bilateral relationship.
Macron and Tebboune tentatively agreed to arrange a direct bilateral meeting, although a specific date has not been set.
The bilateral relations had soured after France expressed support in July 2024 for Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara, which the United Nations categorizes as a non-self-governing territory.
This plan is opposed by the Polisario Front, backed by Algeria, which seeks independence for the region.
Tensions escalated further in the autumn when Boualem Sansal was detained due to comments made to the right-leaning French media outlet, considered to threaten Algeria's territorial integrity by the Algerian judiciary.
The tensions were also exacerbated by the issue of Algerians subject to expulsion from France.
The crisis peaked following a February 22 attack in Mulhouse, eastern France, which resulted in one death.
This incident involved an Algerian national who was refused repatriation after a deportation order was issued.
The leaders expressed their commitment to resuming cooperation in security and migration sectors.
In the statement, Macron expressed confidence in Tebboune’s wisdom and called for a ‘gesture of compassion and humanity’ towards Algerian-French writer Boualem Sansal, who has been sentenced to five years in prison by an Algerian court.
Both leaders reiterated their desire to reestablish the fruitful dialogue initiated by the Algeria Declaration made during Macron's visit in August 2022, which led to significant steps forward concerning issues of memory.
The joint statement highlighted the importance of the strong ties—particularly humanitarian links—between Algeria and France, emphasizing the strategic and security interests of both nations, as well as shared challenges and crises facing both Europe and the Mediterranean-African region.
These factors necessitate a return to equitable dialogue.
Macron and Tebboune underscored their mutual aspiration for an optimistic and calm relationship that respects the interests of both parties.
They also agreed on the immediate resumption of security cooperation.
Additionally, the leaders decided to promptly restore cooperation in migration, based on achieving outcomes that address the concerns of both nations.
To further enhance relations, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian is scheduled to visit Algeria on April 6 to expedite the ambitious plans both leaders envision for the bilateral relationship.
Macron and Tebboune tentatively agreed to arrange a direct bilateral meeting, although a specific date has not been set.
The bilateral relations had soured after France expressed support in July 2024 for Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara, which the United Nations categorizes as a non-self-governing territory.
This plan is opposed by the Polisario Front, backed by Algeria, which seeks independence for the region.
Tensions escalated further in the autumn when Boualem Sansal was detained due to comments made to the right-leaning French media outlet, considered to threaten Algeria's territorial integrity by the Algerian judiciary.
The tensions were also exacerbated by the issue of Algerians subject to expulsion from France.
The crisis peaked following a February 22 attack in Mulhouse, eastern France, which resulted in one death.
This incident involved an Algerian national who was refused repatriation after a deportation order was issued.
