Macron Seeks to Mend Ties with Algeria, Calls for ‘Calm, Forward-Looking Relationship’
French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed a desire to reset the strained relationship with Algeria, stating his intention to build a “calm, forward-looking relationship” between the two nations. The comments, made on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Johannesburg, signal a potential thaw in diplomatic relations that have been in an unprecedented crisis since late July 2024.
Macron Wants to Build a “Calm, Forward-Looking Relationship” with Algeria
A Relationship Needing Correction
President Macron did not shy away from the current difficulties, acknowledging that “we have many things to correct.” He expressed clear dissatisfaction with the present state of Franco-Algerian cooperation, specifically citing security, migration, and economic issues. “We are not in a satisfactory situation, so we want results,” he told journalists during a press briefing, underscoring a demand for tangible outcomes from any renewed engagement.
Conciliatory Signals Follow Key Gesture
This latest diplomatic outreach appears to be part of a reciprocal de-escalation. President Macron’s statements follow an extended olive branch from his Algerian counterpart, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, which came after the release of Franco-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal on November 12th. On the day of the presidential clemency, Macron declared he remained “available to discuss all matters of interest to our two countries.”
Path to Resumption of Dialogue
The verbal signals are being backed by concrete diplomatic steps. In a move to pave the way for resumed dialogue, the Secretary-General of the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs recently conducted a brief visit to Algiers. This preparatory work is setting the stage for an anticipated visit by French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez, which could occur before the end of November.
The revival of high-level visits is critical for addressing practical cooperation. Minister Nunez has confirmed receiving an invitation from his Algerian counterpart and has identified migration and security cooperation as Paris’s top priorities. He has noted that contacts between French security services, including the DGSI, and their Algerian counterparts have been severed for several months, highlighting a significant operational gap that both sides now seem motivated to bridge.
Source: https://www.tsa-algerie.com/france-alger-macron-envoie-de-nouveaux-signaux-dapaisement/