French-Algerian relations in freefall amid diplomatic, political crisis Article by Deutsche Welle

The German broadcaster Deutsche Welle has published an article examining the escalating tensions between France and Algeria. Caliber.Az presents an adapted version of the article.

Diplomatic tensions between France and Algeria have sharply escalated, driven by the controversial abduction of an Algerian political influencer in France. However, the worsening relations between the two nations run far deeper, rooted in historical grievances, geopolitical rivalries, and domestic political maneuvering.

Diplomatic retaliation deepens the rift

France announced the expulsion of 12 Algerian diplomats on April 15—an immediate response to Algeria’s decision a day earlier to expel an equal number of French officials. This tit-for-tat diplomatic fallout follows French legal action against three Algerian nationals, one of whom is reportedly employed at the Algerian consulate in Paris. They are suspected of involvement in the kidnapping of prominent regime critic Amir Boukhors in April 2024.

A history that refuses to fade

The current standoff revives long-standing tensions between the two countries, whose relationship has oscillated between fragile cooperation and open hostility. A brief thaw came in the summer of 2022 when President Emmanuel Macron visited Algeria and referred to France’s colonial past as a “crime against humanity”—a significant, if controversial, acknowledgment.

Political analyst Hasni Abidi from the Geneva Center for the Arab and Mediterranean World called Macron’s statement "symbolic and politically meaningful," noting that such language was unprecedented in France’s mainstream political discourse. However, he also emphasized that colonialism remains a divisive issue, especially among France’s far-right factions, who strongly oppose any form of historical apology.

Western Sahara: A strategic wedge

Relations soured again in mid-2024 when France publicly backed Morocco’s claim over Western Sahara, a disputed region Morocco annexed in 1975. Algeria, which supports the Polisario Front's push for independence, reacted with fury, pulling its ambassador from Paris in protest. As a permanent UN Security Council member, France’s stance was perceived by Algiers as a major diplomatic betrayal.

Amir Boukhors and the digital battlefield

The most recent trigger for the crisis centers on Amir Boukhors, better known online as Amir DZ. A fierce critic of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, Boukhors has been living in France since 2016 and was granted political asylum in 2023. He commands a following of over 1.1 million on TikTok and regularly posts content critical of the Algerian regime.

Although Algerian courts have previously convicted him on charges of fraud, threats, and defamation, French courts twice rejected Algeria’s extradition requests. His brief kidnapping in April—allegedly by agents linked to the Algerian government—sparked outrage. Algeria has denied any involvement, calling the accusation an "unacceptable fabrication."

According to Robin Frisch, head of the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung’s Algiers office, Algeria’s interest in Boukhors stems from the reach of his digital content. “Social media transcends borders, and his content is widely consumed in Algeria. The government sees this as a threat,” Frisch noted.

The Sansal case adds fuel to the fire

Another flashpoint is the recent conviction of Boualem Sansal, an outspoken Algerian author and dual French citizen. Sansal, a critic of Islamist extremism and the Algerian government, was arrested in November 2024 after he gave an interview to a far-right YouTube channel, in which he made a controversial remark suggesting that parts of Algeria historically belonged to Morocco.

In March, Sansal was sentenced to five years in prison, a move that has drawn widespread criticism in France. President Macron himself has publicly called for Sansal’s release, highlighting the growing political pressure in Paris over his case.

Political diversions amid domestic turmoil

Observers believe both governments are using the diplomatic crisis to distract from mounting internal challenges. In France, Macron faces criticism from the far-right Rassemblement National, which has been gaining momentum and urging tougher action on Algeria. Standing firm on foreign policy is a way for Macron to appear strong and outmaneuver domestic political opponents.

In Algeria, the government is grappling with high unemployment, especially among youth, as well as widespread discontent reflected in the protest movements like Hirak. The country's 19 per cent illiteracy rate and 12 per cent unemployment further underline the depth of its socio-economic woes.

"In this respect, repeated public disputes with France are also likely to be a means for Algeria's rulers to divert attention away from central domestic problems," Frisch said.