France and Algeria relaunch the bilateral relationship after months of crisis – Liberation
The Franco-Algerian quarrel about being settled? At the end of a telephone exchange, the French presidents Emmanuel Macron and Algerian Abdelmadjid Tebboune acted, this Monday, March 31, a revival of the bilateral relationship after months of crisiswhich must materialize by a resumption of security and migration cooperation, according to a joint press release. « The two heads of state reiterated their desire to reconnect the fruitful dialogue they had devoted with the Algiers Declaration of August 2022 (during the visit of Emmanuel Macron, editor’s note) and which had resulted in strong gestures in memorial matters », said the press release.
« They agreed that the strength of links – in particular human – uniting France and Algeria, the respective strategic and security interests of the two countries, the challenges and crises with which Europe, the Mediterranean and Africa were confronted the return to this equal dialogue », insisting on « The common ambition of an ambitious, serene and respectful relationship of the interests of each ». The two presidents, who spoke on the day of Eid-el-Fitr marking the end of Ramadan, thus decided to « The resumption without delay in security cooperation », Essential in the fight against terrorism and human trafficking.
Migration cooperation, at the heart of the crisis in recent weeks, must also to be immediately reset, in a logic of results responding to the concerns of the two countries ”, He is underlined. French Minister of Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot will go to Algiers « In order to quickly give the (bilateral) relationship the ambition that the two heads of state wish to give it », Add the press release, without giving a date.
Emmanuel Macron also « Reiterate his confidence in the clairvoyance of President Tebboune and called for a gesture of Clémence and Humanity » towards the Franco-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal, sentenced Thursday, March 27 to five years in prison by an Algerian court. The two presidents also have « Stop the principle of an upcoming meeting », It is still indicated, without further details.
The bilateral relationship experienced a violent brake after the announcement by Emmanuel Macron in July 2024 of his support supported by a plan of autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty For Western Sahara, a territory with not defined status according to the UN, claimed by the separatists of the Polisario, supported by Algiers.
In the fall, the quarrel has worsened with the arrest of Boualem Sansal For remarks made on the French media borders, renowned by the far right, considered to be involved in the integrity of the Algerian territory. The question of readmission in their country of origin of Algerians under the obligation to leave French territory (OQTF) also ignited bilateral relations. The crisis reached its climax after the Mulhouse attack on February 22, committed by an Algerian who had been the subject of several readmission requestsrefused by Algeria.
