Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez is traveling to Algeria this Monday for a sensitive two-day diplomatic visit, against a backdrop of particularly strained Franco-Algerian relations for over two years. This trip, announced long ago, aims to re-establish security dialogue between Paris and Algiers after a series of diplomatic crises that have frozen bilateral exchanges.
The discussions with his counterpart Saïd Sayoud will focus on several pressing issues: the question of deportation orders and the readmission of Algerian nationals residing illegally in France, the fight against terrorism and drug trafficking, and intelligence cooperation. Paris hopes in particular to achieve concrete progress on the return of certain nationals and the revitalization of security cooperation mechanisms.
The case of French sports journalist Christophe Gleizes, arrested in Algeria in May 2024 and sentenced to seven years in prison for "apology for terrorism," is also expected to be addressed. This case symbolizes the persistent tensions between the two countries, even if some recent signs, such as renewed diplomatic exchanges, suggest a possible de-escalation.
This visit comes after a period of heightened tensions, exacerbated in particular by France's recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara, an extremely sensitive issue for Algiers. Bilateral relations had also been strained by several legal cases and the expulsion of diplomats, fueling a climate of persistent mistrust.
The first visit by a French Interior Minister to Algeria since 2022, this trip is presented as an attempt at pragmatic re-engagement. Paris's stated objective is clear: to maintain a channel of discussion on security issues and prevent the Franco-Algerian relationship, considered strategic by both sides, from deteriorating further.
