Algeria-France tensions : Algiers' self-inflicted crisis
Ahmed Attaf, Algerian Minister of Foreign Affairs / DR
Estimated read time: 1'
Algeria now reacts almost daily to even the slightest statements or movements by French officials. Since Minister Rachida Dati's visit to Laayoune, the Algerian regime has issued a series of statements, successively denouncing remarks by Jean-Noël Barrot, Gérard Larcher's visit to Morocco, and, most recently, François Bayrou's comments on a possible tightening of migration agreements between the two countries. This diplomatic escalation reflects growing anxiety in Algiers as it finds itself increasingly cornered by its own stance.
At the end of July 2024, it was Algeria that chose to heighten tensions by announcing the withdrawal of its ambassador to Paris in retaliation for President Emmanuel Macron's remarks on Western Sahara. This confrontational approach is now backfiring, as France, rather than yielding to pressure, continues to strengthen its ties with Morocco. By multiplying threats and accusations against Paris, the Algerian authorities had hoped to force the Élysée's hand—but to no avail.
#Communiqué ?? pic.twitter.com/QEZVdObTHE — وزارة الشؤون الخارجية| MFA-Algeria (@Algeria_MFA) February 27, 2025
In its latest communiqué, the Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs attempts to shift responsibility for the crisis onto France, accusing it of unjustly restricting Algerians' mobility and challenging the 1968 Agreement. This serves as a distraction from the real source of tension: Algiers' discomfort with France's gradual realignment on the Western Sahara issue. After months of escalating friction, the regime appears to be running out of options, forced into reactive diplomacy without a clear exit strategy.
Meanwhile, the long-tested Franco-Moroccan relationship seems to be stabilizing, much to Algiers' dismay. Within a week, Morocco has successively hosted Rachida Dati and Gérard Larcher, reinforcing President Macron's stance on Western Sahara.
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