Paris's Unlawful Discriminatory Attitude Against Algerians
The escalating Algerian-French diplomatic crisis reveals the limited cards the French authorities have.
This explains their position to take a dangerous but despicable decision to target the Algerian community residing in France, a move that could escalate the crisis to the level of a rupture.
In the latest development in this regard, French government spokesperson Sophie Primas said on Thursday, May 15, 2025, that 'the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the President of the Republic, and the Prime Minister are working today on other, more important measures, particularly regarding a portion of the Algerian community, to move forward on other issues.' This statement followed a cabinet meeting.
For the first time since the outbreak of the crisis, the French government has spoken openly and without equivocation about targeting the Algerian community residing in France. This position is described as more than cowardly, as it seeks to weaken the Algerian authorities by targeting innocent Algerians who have nothing to do with the ongoing conflict between the two countries.
However, the response to this provocation from members of the Algerian community was quick. In a statement to Echorouk from Marseille, Omar Jalil, president of the Federation of Algerians in Marseille, expressed his rejection of the French government spokesperson's statement, considering it a 'violation of the law and discrimination in the name of the state' against the Algerian community, which numbers millions.
Omar Jalil declared, 'The Algerian community in France supports its country, Algeria, in its diplomatic iron fist with France.' He said, 'At a time when the escalation between the two countries has reached its peak, the Algerian community we represent declares its massive mobilisation to express its unwavering commitment and support for the sovereign positions of the Algerian state, in the face of the interference and provocations of the French far right.'
The Federation mobilised 'a widespread movement on social media of the Algerian community, highlighting the solidarity of millions of Algerians residing in France, Europe, and the world in the face of what we, Algerians residing in France, consider to be unfair and arrogant treatment by the French authorities.'
Omar Jalil affirmed that 'the Federation rejects all forms of guardianship or diplomatic bargaining, and emphasises that the Algerian state is free and sovereign. We also reject France's continued behaviour based on neocolonial reflexes, believing it can impose its dictates on a people liberated by sacrificing their lives.'
The Federation of Algerians in Marseille confirmed that 'French government spokesperson Sophie Primas has crossed an unacceptable level of verbal violence by discriminating between communities and exploiting her position.' Her statements are dangerous and violate the rule of law, confirming what the Federation has condemned for years. They also express an obsession and a desire to criminalise Algerians, whose dignity refuses humiliation.
'Sophie Prima's threats will not silence us, and will only push us to strengthen our unity and our loyalty to Algeria. If the French authorities choose arrogance, contempt, and repression, our people's cohesion and our solidarity with our country's authorities know neither fear nor oblivion. This is because the Algerian community is not a group under guardianship, but rather a community comprising millions of men and women, steadfast in their attachment to their original homeland, Algeria, threatened because of their origins or nationality,' Omar Jalil asserted.
According to Omar Jalil, this crisis will push Algeria to 're-establish a fair partnership between the two countries,' and, in turn, 'put an end to a bilateral relationship based on French dominance. We are ready to assume our responsibilities in France because acts of revenge against the community are on the rise, and we see them daily. We will remain loyal to the nation's principles and will make sacrifices for this.'
For his part, MP Saad Laanani, a representative of the Algerian community in France, told Echorouk that the statement issued by the French government spokesperson was 'a dangerous escalation, demonstrating beyond any doubt its weakness and inability to confront the firm will of the Algerian people, represented by its President Abdelmadjid Tebboune.'
From a legal perspective, the statement is considered 'a threat to Algerian citizens and, at the same time, a blatant provocation against citizens with French citizenship. This constitutes discrimination against them and a serious regression in human and civil rights.'
He said he had informed the relevant parties of these threats, noting that 'their goal is to destabilise Algeria and undermine the unity of its people to exploit its resources, which is the very essence of neo-colonialism.' He added that 'all Algerians, both at home and abroad, must be fully aware of what is being plotted against them and hold fast to the bonds of the homeland.'
Actor Ahmed Benhassir, who resides in France, also condemned Sophie Prima's statement. Speaking to Echorouk from France, he said, 'I condemn the statements made by the French government spokesperson attacking the Algerian community in France.'
He emphasised that 'Algeria is an independent and sovereign state, and we stand behind President Tebboune, who has honoured us worldwide. As an artist and like other artists, I stand with my country, Algeria.'
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