In an atmosphere of growing diplomatic tensions between Algeria and France, Paris’s recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara has emerged as a central factor exacerbating the conflict between the two nations. France announced its support for Morocco’s autonomy plan as the sole solution to the regional dispute, sparking Algeria’s anger, which backs the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination through the Polisario Front. In response, Algeria recalled its ambassador to Paris, describing France’s position as a “clear bias” threatening the stability of bilateral relations.
Amid this strained context, Algerian-French relations took another turn when Algeria refused to accept an Algerian influencer deported from France. In a firm statement, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot declared that “Paris will have no choice but to respond if the Algerians maintain this escalating attitude.” He also expressed shock at Algeria’s refusal to readmit the influencer, who holds an Algerian passport and should have been accepted by his home country.
French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau went further, calling the refusal a “deliberate attempt to humiliate France,” emphasizing the need to reassess bilateral ties. He noted that Algeria’s actions reflect the depth of tensions stemming from France’s recent stances.
Beyond the issue of the influencer known as “Doualmen,” concerns have arisen about the future of relations between Algiers and Paris. French media reported that Algeria rejected the influencer due to France’s failure to comply with legal procedures related to his deportation, further complicating the situation.
Additionally, the French government expressed frustration with Algeria’s repeated decisions, which it perceives as aimed at embarrassing France on the international stage, particularly with Algeria’s continued detention of figures like Algerian-French writer Boualem Sansal.
It is evident that the current tension between Algeria and France goes beyond individual cases, reflecting strategic divergences over both countries’ interests in the region. While France seeks to strengthen its ties with Morocco by recognizing Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara, Algeria views this move as a direct threat to its regional stance, signaling further diplomatic escalations ahead.
Source: French media.
