Emmanuel Macron Against Algeria: The Real Reasons for the Anger

It only took a few days to destroy the momentum of rapprochement that seemed to be emerging between Paris and Algiers. On April 14, the Algerian authorities abruptly expelled twelve French diplomatic agents. In retaliation, President Emmanuel Macron immediately announced the expulsion of twelve Algerian diplomats in France. Additionally, he recalled the French ambassador to Algiers for consultations. This new episode adds to a long list of crises between the two countries. As a result, it jeopardizes crucial interests on both sides of the Mediterranean.

A judicial dispute at the origin of the tension

At the origin of this surge in tensions between France and Algeria is the case of three nationals. Indeed, these individuals are Algerian, which led to an escalation of diplomatic tensions. In fact, these individuals include a consular employee under investigation in Paris. They are suspected of having participated in the kidnapping and sequestration of the Algerian influencer and political opponent Amir Boukhors on French territory. Citing the independence of its justice system, Paris maintains that the procedure is legitimate. Algiers, for its part, denounces a "judicial sham" and rejects any implication of its diplomatic agents.

Reciprocal expulsion measures

• Algiers: Twelve French agents ordered to leave Algerian soil.
• Paris: In response, twelve Algerian diplomats expelled from France.

For Emmanuel Macron, Algeria "takes responsibility for a brutal deterioration of bilateral relations." Conversely, Algiers criticizes the supposed "tutelage" of Paris on issues affecting its sovereignty.

Context: a history of Franco-Algerian tensions

Beyond this judicial case, the diplomatic crisis is fueled by an already complex relational history. The disputes are not new:

1. Western Sahara
   Emmanuel Macron’s support for the Moroccan autonomy plan irritated Algiers, a staunch defender of the Polisario Front. For Algeria, this French position demonstrates a bias in favor of Morocco, its regional rival.

2. Arrests of Algerian opponents in France
   Several personalities of Algerian origin have been arrested. Indeed, they are accused of advocating violence on social networks. Moreover, France deplores the lack of cooperation from Algiers to accept the return of its nationals under an OQTF (Obligation to Leave French Territory).

3. Detention of Boualem Sansal
   The Franco-Algerian writer, detained in Algeria and sentenced to five years in prison, arouses incomprehension and indignation in Paris, which demands his release in the name of freedom of expression.

This array of disputes has already caused several episodes of recent tension. Notably, the recall of the Algerian ambassador after French statements regarding the Sahara.

Emmanuel Macron and Abdelmadjid Tebboune: the aborted truce of April

The latest escalation is all the more surprising as a Franco-Algerian rapprochement seemed to emerge at the beginning of April. A phone conversation between Emmanuel Macron and his Algerian counterpart Abdelmadjid Tebboune, followed by the visit to Algiers by French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, raised hopes for a resumption of cooperation in key areas:

• Security and counter-terrorism
• Immigration and visa issuance
• Economic relations and investments
• Shared memory around the colonial period

In a matter of days, this initial dialogue fell apart. The Algerian reaction to the indictments of the three nationals called into question all the diplomatic work initiated.

Diplomatic expulsions: a hardening with multiple consequences

The exchange of expulsions and the recall of the ambassador mark the willingness of both countries to be uncompromising. In the immediate term, this escalation carries several risks:

• Paralysis of dialogue
  With fewer diplomatic personnel, official communication channels are significantly reduced. Upcoming negotiations on major issues (migrant returns, visa issuance, economic projects) become more complicated.

• Economic impacts
  The tensions fuel mistrust. Several business visits, essential for the development of industrial or commercial partnerships, have already been canceled. French and Algerian economic circles are concerned about the prevailing uncertainty.

• Fragile counter-terrorism cooperation
  On the security front, a deterioration of ties can prove damaging. Indeed, it would affect the fight against jihadist groups in the Sahel. Algiers remains a key regional player for stability and intelligence.

• Pressure on diasporas
  Franco-Algerian families, students, and professionals navigating between the two countries fear new restrictions. Indeed, they fear increased controls or a tightening of visa conditions, etc.

Towards a rupture or a negotiated resumption?

Despite the severity of the crisis, France and Algeria are bound by reciprocal interests. Indeed, these interests are too significant to hope for a lasting "disconnection."

1. Deep human ties
   The Algerian diaspora in France is significant, and the presence of French nationals in Algeria is also noticeable. Consequently, this creates a cultural interdependence between the two countries. Moreover, this situation fosters interactions between the two nations. In addition to strengthening exchanges between the two countries, they promote important family and social ties.

2. Energy dependence and investments
   Algeria supplies gas to Europe to some extent. Conversely, French companies also depend on the Algerian market. In the other direction, Algiers seeks industrial and technological partnerships.

3. Essential regional cooperation
   In the fight against terrorism and stability in the Sahel, Algiers occupies a strategic position. Paris needs solid interlocutors in the Maghreb to coordinate its security policy.

Historically, Paris and Algiers have already gone through phases of "diplomatic storm" before reconnecting. However, the repetition of these crises fuels a climate of lasting mistrust. For some observers, only a return to discreet diplomacy, accompanied by mutual concessions, could prevent a stalemate.

A gap to bridge to restore trust

This diplomatic crisis between France and Algeria highlights the fragility of a relationship. It is largely conditioned by historical, geopolitical, and internal issues. The desire to assert its sovereignty in Paris and Algiers clashes with the imperatives of cooperation. This concerns the security, economic, or migratory domains. After the failure of the April truce, it is now up to the two governments to find a way to de-escalate. Otherwise, it could permanently harm their interests and fuel a climate of misunderstanding between their peoples.

In any case, a "reconciliation" remains difficult but not impossible. Past experiences show that France and Algeria are condemned to coexist. They oscillate between crisis and rapprochement, depending on political fluctuations and their shared interests. The immediate future will depend on the ability of Paris and Algiers to quickly resume the thread of discussion. This must be done despite the resentment left by this new episode of reciprocal expulsions.