French President Emmanuel Macron has taken steps to ease tensions with Algeria, engaging in a lengthy phone call with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune on Monday. The conversation, described by the Élysée Palace as "long, frank, and friendly," addressed the strains in bilateral relations.
The diplomatic outreach comes amid longstanding disputes between the two nations, exacerbated by France’s recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara in 2023. This position remains unchanged despite Algeria’s opposition, as Algiers continues to back the pro-independence Polisario Front in the disputed region.
In an effort to mend ties, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot is set to visit Algiers on Sunday. His visit aims to explore ways to enhance cooperation and rebuild trust. Additionally, Macron and Tebboune agreed to resume security collaboration and work on facilitating "fluid" migration between the two countries, particularly after Algeria recently refused to accept the return of undocumented Algerian migrants from France.
Further efforts to strengthen relations include the revival of a joint historical commission investigating the colonial past between France and Algeria, which had been on hold amid diplomatic tensions. The two leaders also agreed in principle to meet in person at a later date, signaling a willingness to continue diplomatic dialogue.
Despite these reconciliatory efforts, France remains steadfast in its pro-Moroccan position on Western Sahara. Tebboune, who recently described Macron as the "only point of reference" for repairing ties with France, faces the challenge of navigating this diplomatic tightrope as Algeria seeks to balance its relations with its former colonial ruler while maintaining its regional stance on the Sahara issue.
Towards the end of their discussions, Macron urged Tebboune to show "mercy and humanity" towards Boualem Sansal, an 80-year-old French-Algerian writer recently sentenced to five years in prison. Sansal's conviction, linked to comments he made in a French far-right media interview that were deemed to undermine Algeria’s territorial integrity, has further strained relations between Paris and Algiers. Macron cited the writer’s deteriorating health due to cancer as a compelling reason for his release.
