Can France and Algeria patch things up?
The diplomatic relationship between France and Algeria entered a critical phase this month, amid escalating bilateral tensions.
Relations between France and Algeria, deeply rooted in a colonial history that continues to shape their interactions, have long been fractious. The current crisis, which kicked off over the arrest of an Algerian consular official in France, comes in the context of a broader struggle over identity, influence and historical narratives.
The consular official was among three Algerian nationals indicted by French prosecutors over the 2024 abduction of Amir Boukhors, a Paris-based critic of the Algerian government.
In retaliation, Algeria expelled 12 French diplomatic staff this month, prompting France to expel 12 Algerian officials in a tit-for-tat move, while also recalling its ambassador in Algiers.
This is just the latest downturn in a relationship that has been marked by repeated diplomatic crises over the years.
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Despite the formal end of colonialism, France remains a key political, economic and cultural player in Algeria. France’s continued involvement in North African politics and its large Algerian diaspora have kept the former colony within the sphere of French strategic interests.
In 2021, tensions boiled over when French President Emmanuel Macron questioned the existence of an Algerian nation prior to French colonisation, and accused the Algerian regime of exploiting historical memory for political gain. Algeria responded by recalling its ambassador and temporarily banning French military aircraft from its airspace.
Point of contention
The geopolitical landscape has further strained relations. France’s endorsement of Morocco’s autonomy plan for the Western Sahara last year was perceived by Algeria as a betrayal, given its support for the Polisario Front.
This shift in French policy has been a point of contention, leading to a decline in trade and cooperation between the two nations. In addition, planned joint military exercises between France and Morocco near the Algerian border were condemned by Algeria as a “provocation”.
Domestic political considerations in both countries often shape foreign policy postures. In France, politicians across the spectrum use the Algeria issue and migration to appeal to nationalist sentiments. In Algeria, criticising France also serves to reinforce nationalist credentials, and to distract from internal challenges, such as political and economic stagnation.
For any form of lasting reconciliation, there must be a candid reckoning with the past, a redefinition of mutual interests, and a de-politicisation of historical memory
Further complicating matters, France has threatened to review its 1968 migration agreement with Algeria, which has facilitated the settlement of Algerians in France, amid a dispute over Algeria’s refusal to take back deported nationals.
The two countries also have divergent visions for regional security. France has historically positioned itself as a key actor in the Sahel through military operations, while Algeria, guided by its principle of non-interventionism, has opposed foreign armies in the region.
Algeria’s growing relations with powers such as Russia, China and Turkey have also alarmed Paris, while Algeria’s rivalry with Morocco - a close French ally - creates additional tensions.
In the energy sector, Algeria is a significant supplier of gas to Europe and has sought to capitalise on the continent’s energy diversification efforts amid the Ukraine crisis. France’s ambition to act as a Mediterranean energy hub might conflict with Algeria’s own energy diplomacy.
In the defence sector, Algeria has diversified its arms procurement away from France, favouring Russian and Chinese suppliers. Economic frictions are also visible in trade agreements and investment policies, with Algeria adopting a more protectionist stance in recent years.
Long shadow
Despite recurring tensions, both sides have periodically attempted rapprochement. Macron’s 2022 visit to Algeria was seen as a step towards resetting relations, resulting in the establishment of a joint commission of historians to examine colonial history. However, the effectiveness of such initiatives remains limited without genuine political will.
France remains a major investor in Algeria, and cooperation in the education, energy and counterterrorism sectors continues. But can such functional cooperation be insulated from the deeper structural and historical sources of tension?
The colonial past casts a long shadow over France-Algeria relations. Efforts at reconciliation have been hindered by differing narratives concerning the Algerian War. While Macron has expressed hope for a “reconciliation of memories”, Algeria has criticised France’s reluctance to return key historical documents, viewing the issue as a significant obstacle to genuine healing.
The memory conflict also plays out domestically within France. The Pieds-Noirs (European settlers in Algeria), Harkis (Algerians who fought for France), and descendants of Algerian immigrants all have conflicting narratives about colonialism and the war. French leaders must attempt to balance their interests, often resulting in symbolic gestures rather than substantive reconciliation.
In Algeria, meanwhile, state narratives glorify the anti-colonial struggle as a foundational myth of national identity. This serves to legitimise the ruling elite, but it also hampers efforts to move towards a future-oriented partnership.
Indeed, memory politics are central to Franco-Algerian tensions. France’s reluctance to fully acknowledge the crimes of colonialism, including systemic torture and massacres during the war, has long been a source of discord. While Macron has taken steps to recognise specific atrocities, such as the 1961 Paris massacre of Algerian protesters, his approach is seen by many in Algeria as insufficient and ambiguous.
Migration is another central point of friction. France hosts a large Algerian diaspora, and issues related to integration, identity and Islam in France are often linked - sometimes problematically - to Algeria. Policies on visa issuance, deportations and accusations of religious extremism often fuel diplomatic rows.
Macron’s 2021 decision to sharply reduce the number of visas granted to Algerian nationals, citing non-cooperation on deportations, led to a wave of tensions, reflecting the interconnected nature of migration, security and identity politics.
France and Algeria are locked in a cycle where history continues to cast a long shadow over the present. For any form of lasting reconciliation, there must be a candid reckoning with the past, a redefinition of mutual interests and a de-politicisation of historical memory. Only then can the two nations forge a relationship based on equality, respect and shared destiny.
Despite recent diplomatic efforts, the path to reconciliation remains fraught with challenges, as has been underscored this month. Without substantive progress on key issues, including migration cooperation and historical reconciliation, a lasting rapprochement may be elusive.
The views expressed in this article belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Middle East Eye.
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