Rebuilding Diplomatic Relations Between France and Algeria
In recent years, the diplomatic relationship between France and Algeria has faced significant challenges, primarily due to political distancing influenced by various geopolitical factors. A pivotal moment occurred in July 2024 when French President Emmanuel Macron endorsed Morocco's Autonomy Plan for Western Sahara, a move that has raised tensions with Algeria, which has historically supported the Polisario Front's push for a referendum on Sahrawi independence. This endorsement from France has been perceived as a direct affront to Algeria, given its long-standing support for the Sahrawi cause.
The situation deteriorated further when Jean-Noël Barrot, the French Minister of Foreign Affairs, reaffirmed during a recent visit to Rabat that Morocco's autonomy initiative is the most serious and realistic solution to the territorial conflict over Western Sahara. This statement has intensified Algeria's discontent, as it hints at a preference for Morocco's stance over Algeria's historical position in the region.
Efforts have been made to mend this fraught relationship, notably with the recent return of French ambassador Stéphane Romatet to Algiers after more than a year of diplomatic absence. However, this move has not sufficiently resolved the ongoing crisis, as the bilateral relations continue to deteriorate, marked by mutual diplomatic expulsions, migration blockades, political attacks from Algiers, and even the imprisonment of French journalists accused of terrorism-related offenses by the Algerian state.
Migration Issues and Diplomatic Expulsions
One of the most pressing issues affecting Franco-Algerian relations is the deportation of Algerian immigrants from France, a situation that has added layers of complexity to their diplomatic engagement. French sources indicate that approximately 700 Algerians are currently held in detention centers awaiting repatriation, creating a challenging scenario for both nations. In 2026 alone, Algerian consulates in France have issued around 140 consular transit permits, which are essential for facilitating the deportation process.
Amid this backdrop, Algeria has allowed the return of 320 young Algerians living in an irregular status, marking a willingness to address some of the migration concerns. For nearly a year, forced deportations from France to Algeria were halted due to Algeria's reluctance to accept individuals, particularly those with significant criminal records. These tensions escalated in 2025 with reciprocal diplomatic expulsions stemming from migration disagreements and geopolitical disputes, particularly regarding France's support for Morocco over Western Sahara.
However, 2026 has seen a resumption of deportations following months of discreet negotiations. Both countries have resumed cooperation, allowing Algeria to issue consular safe conduct passes and facilitating around 140 forced deportations so far this year. Looking ahead, the upcoming visit of Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf to Paris in June is anticipated to usher in a new phase of rapprochement between the two nations, following a period characterized by heightened diplomatic tension. Additionally, the scheduled visit of Algerian Interior Minister Said Sayoud to Paris, in response to an invitation from his French counterpart Laurent Núñez, reflects an ongoing commitment to fostering diplomatic ties. This dialogue will focus on migration cooperation, the readmission of deported Algerian citizens, and collaborative efforts against drug trafficking.
As reported by atalayar.com.
