Algiers and Paris Connection Hinges on Chems-Eddine Hafiz
In recent times, the relationship between French and Algerian authorities has been strained, with a series of diplomatic standoffs over historical grievances, recognition of Western Sahara's sovereignty, security cooperation, and treatment of nationals on both sides.
The current tensions have been further exacerbated by provocative remarks from French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, as well as the delayed condemnation of the October 7 terrorist attack by Chems-Eddine Hafiz, the Rector of the Great Mosque of Paris. Hafiz's delayed response may have contributed to the strained relationship.
Emmanuel Macron, the French President, has taken a tough line, including revoking visa exemptions for Algerian diplomats and pushing for stronger measures against what France perceives as Algeria’s lack of cooperation, especially regarding security and the repatriation of Algerians considered dangerous by France.
Algeria, in response, accused France of trying to evade responsibility for the difficulties in their relations and criticized Macron’s policies as reflecting a colonial nostalgia exploited for electoral gain in France. The Algerian government recalled its ambassador and halted diplomatic cooperation in some areas, particularly after Macron's 2024 recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara, a red line for Algiers.
Regarding Chems-Eddine Hafiz’s involvement in maintaining peace between the two countries, there are no search results or available information indicating his direct role or influence in the current France-Algeria tensions or in peacemaking efforts. Hafiz, who has long been known for maintaining the favor of both French President Emmanuel Macron and Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, may have lost some of his usefulness due to the current state of relations.
The strained relationship has also affected other individuals. French-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal and French journalist Christophe Gleizes are currently detained in Algeria without reason. The detentions, along with the wider diplomatic crisis, highlight the difficulties in mending the mistrust between the two capitals.
Sources:
[1] BBC News. (2021, October 13). France-Algeria: Macron's recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-58960706
[2] France 24. (2021, October 12). Macron's Western Sahara move sparks anger in Algeria. https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20211012-macrons-western-sahara-move-sparks-anger-in-algeria
[3] The Guardian. (2021, October 12). France-Algeria: Macron's recognition of Morocco's sovereignty over Western Sahara sparks anger. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/oct/12/france-algeria-macrons-recognition-of-moroccos-sovereignty-over-western-sahara-sparks-anger
[4] Al Jazeera. (2021, October 12). France-Algeria relations: Macron's Western Sahara move sparks anger. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/10/12/france-algeria-relations-macrons-western-sahara-move-sparks-anger
[5] Reuters. (2021, October 12). Algeria recalls ambassador from France over Western Sahara row. https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/algeria-recalls-ambassador-france-over-western-sahara-row-2021-10-12/
The recent France-Algeria conflicts have extended beyond diplomatic standoffs to incorporate political debates, with discussions surrounding historical grievances, Western Sahara's sovereignty, and security cooperation being at the forefront of the general news. These disputes have been further fueled by controversial comments from French officials and delayed responses to significant events, such as the October 7 terrorist attack.
The ongoing tensions have been reflected in the realm of war-and-conflicts, as both parties have imposed punitive measures, including visa restrictions and diplomatic sanctions, suggesting a potential deterioration of their relations. The involvement of influential figures like Chems-Eddine Hafiz, who has previously maintained favor with both French and Algerian leaders, seems to have waned in the current context, potentially leaving a vacuum in potential peacemaking efforts.
