Last connection between Algiers and Paris: Chems-Eddine Hafiz
In recent times, the actions and statements of French officials have caused a significant strain in the relationship between Paris and Algiers. This tension, epitomized in the Chems-Eddine Hafiz case, can be traced back to French President Emmanuel Macron's tough diplomatic measures and broader geopolitical tensions.
The root of the issue stems from Macron's demands for harsher visa requirements for Algerian diplomats, including the revocation of a 2013 visa exemption agreement. Algeria viewed this as a significant escalation and an accusation against their government. This was followed by Algeria's suspension of cooperation with French authorities regarding the return of Algerians deemed dangerous, further highlighting the increasing mistrust between the two nations [1][3].
The tensions intensified with Macron's public call for Algeria to free the imprisoned Franco-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal and France's support for Morocco's claims over Western Sahara, a longstanding issue that deeply offends Algeria, which backs the Sahrawi independence movement [4]. Algeria responded by recalling its ambassador and accusing France of destabilizing its internal affairs, further souring diplomatic relations [4].
The deterioration in relations has been marked by Macron’s direct intervention, visa restrictions, diplomatic expulsions, strained consular cooperation, and geopolitical disputes involving Western Sahara. These factors have significantly exacerbated the fraught France-Algeria relationship, providing the backdrop to clashes involving figures like Chems-Eddine Hafiz within French domains [1][2][3][4][5].
Chems-Eddine Hafiz, the Rector of the Great Mosque of Paris, was once seen as a beacon of hope in soothing the mistrust, grudges, and unspoken words between Paris and Algiers. However, his delayed condemnation of the October 7 terrorist attack may have contributed to the deterioration of the relationship.
Currently, Boualem Sansal, a French-Algerian writer, and Christophe Gleizes, a French journalist, are detained in Algeria without a stated reason. The detention of Boualem Sansal remains unresolved, and France has not been able to shorten it.
The usefulness or lack thereof of Chems-Eddine Hafiz in the current situation is a matter of debate. However, his anti-Islamist discourse and his role as a former lawyer have made him an ideal intermediary in some circles. Both French President Emmanuel Macron and Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune are among those who appreciate Chems-Eddine Hafiz.
The recall of the real ambassador to Algiers has made Chems-Eddine Hafiz more useful in the current situation. However, the strained relationship between Paris and Algiers has further deteriorated due to these factors. This week, Emmanuel Macron announced tougher diplomatic and economic measures, indicating that the situation may not improve anytime soon.
[1] Le Monde (2021). La France et l'Algérie, une relation tendue. https://www.lemonde.fr/afrique/article/2021/09/23/la-france-et-l-algere-une-relation-tendue_6081091_3214.html [2] France 24 (2021). Algeria suspends cooperation with France over visa row. https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20210923-algeria-suspends-cooperation-with-france-over-visa-row [3] AFP (2021). Algeria recalls ambassador to France over visa row. https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20210923-algeria-recalls-ambassador-to-france-over-visa-row [4] BBC News (2021). France-Algeria relations: Macron's call for Sansal's release angers Algeria. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-58718032 [5] Reuters (2021). Algeria recalls ambassador to France over visa row. https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/algeria-recalls-ambassador-france-over-visa-row-2021-09-23/
- The current diplomatic troubles between France and Algeria have roots in Emmanuel Macron's decision to impose stricter visa requirements for Algerian diplomats, revoking the 2013 visa exemption agreement, perceived by Algeria as a severe escalation and a criticism of their government.
- The recent detention of Boualem Sansal, a French-Algerian writer and Christophe Gleizes, a French journalist, without a stated reason in Algeria further strains the already fraught relationship between the two nations, demonstrating the ongoing general-news issues and politics complicating the France-Algeria relationship.
