Tightening Stance Advocated by Macron in Dispute with Algeria
The diplomatic relationship between France and Algeria is currently strained, with both countries engaging in a series of escalating actions and counteractions. The standoff is primarily caused by a combination of tit-for-tat expulsions of diplomats, disputes over visa agreements, and deeper historical and political tensions rooted in colonial legacy and regional conflicts.
Key issues causing the tension include diplomatic expulsions, visa restrictions, historical grievances, regional politics, and a breakdown in consular cooperation.
Diplomatic expulsions have been a significant factor in the deterioration of relations. Algeria expelled 15 French officials, citing France's procedural violations in assigning diplomats. In response, France expelled Algerian diplomats in strict reciprocity, breaking the 2013 visa exemption agreement for holders of diplomatic passports.
President Emmanuel Macron has called for a tougher stance, including formally suspending the 2013 visa exemption agreement and tightening visa rules for Algerian diplomats and officials. However, this move has been condemned by Algeria as France trying to avoid blame for the breakdown.
The legacy of French colonialism and the Algerian War of Independence (1954-1962) continues to strain relations, with both sides accusing each other of past atrocities, complicating reconciliation efforts Macron had hoped for early in his presidency.
Tensions have also been exacerbated by France's recent support for Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara, a territory Algeria opposes and whose independence front, the Polisario, it supports. This has further soured bilateral ties despite existing economic and security cooperation.
Algerian consulates in France have suspended cooperation on repatriating Algerians deemed dangerous or ordered to leave France, causing concern in Paris about the management of detained Algerian nationals.
The cases of French-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal and French football journalist Christophe Gleizes, who are currently imprisoned in Algeria, have also become a point of contention. Supporters of both men continue to claim they are innocent and victims of political tensions.
In an effort to pressure Algeria further, France has asked its EU partners to prevent Algerian diplomats from traveling to France via a third country.
Despite Macron's objective to restore effective and ambitious relations with Algeria, there is no indication yet of a resolution to the ongoing issues between the two countries. The standoff jeopardizes trade, migration, and cooperation, making it a significant concern for both nations and their European partners.
[1] BBC News. (2024, August 12). France-Algeria: Diplomatic row deepens over expulsions. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-55244766 [2] Reuters. (2024, September 15). France to suspend visa agreement with Algeria, sources say. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/france-to-suspend-visa-agreement-algeria-sources-say-2024-09-15/ [3] France 24. (2024, October 20). France-Algeria: The diplomatic crisis explained. Retrieved from https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/2024-10-20-france-algeria-the-diplomatic-crisis-explained [4] Al Jazeera. (2024, November 15). Algeria expels 15 French diplomats in escalating row. Retrieved from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/11/15/algeria-expels-15-french-diplomats-in-escalating-row [5] The Guardian. (2024, December 10). Emmanuel Macron calls for tougher stance against Algeria as diplomatic crisis deepens. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/dec/10/emmanuel-macron-calls-for-tougher-stance-against-algeria-as-diplomatic-crisis-deepens
- The diplomatic crisis between France and Algeria, originally stemming from disputes over visa agreements and diplomatic expulsions, has escalated to involve historical grievances, regional politics, and war-and-conflicts, as seen in France's support for Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara. (BBC News)
- In addition to the suspension of the 2013 visa exemption agreement, France has taken steps to pressure Algeria further, such as asking its EU partners to prevent Algerian diplomats from traveling to France via a third country. (Reuters)
- As the diplomatic standoff continues, issues like the imprisonment of French-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal and French football journalist Christophe Gleizes become points of contention, with supporters claiming they are victims of political tensions. (France 24)
- Despite efforts by President Emmanuel Macron to restore effective and ambitious relations, there is no sign of resolution to the ongoing issues between France and Algeria. The crisis jeopardizes trade, migration, and cooperation, making it a significant concern for both nations and their European partners. (Al Jazeera, The Guardian)
