Macron and Tebboune Announce Return of Normal ‘French-Algerian’ Relations

The Algerian and French presidents in August 2022 (Algerian presidency)
The Algerian and French presidents in August 2022 (Algerian presidency)
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Macron and Tebboune Announce Return of Normal ‘French-Algerian’ Relations

The Algerian and French presidents in August 2022 (Algerian presidency)
The Algerian and French presidents in August 2022 (Algerian presidency)

French President Emmanuel Macron and his Algerian counterpart, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, on Monday confirmed a normalization of ties after months of strained relations and agreed to reestablish political dialogue and relaunch cooperation on security and migration.
During a phone call, Macron urged Algerian counterpart Abdelmadjid Tebboune to show “mercy and humanity” towards a jailed French-Algerian writer, Boualem Sansal, the Elysee palace said in a statement.
The author was sentenced last Thursday to five years in prison after an interview he gave to a French far-right media outlet was deemed to undermine Algeria's territorial integrity.
Macron “called for a gesture of mercy and humanity towards Mr Boualem Sansal, given the age and state of health of the writer,” the Elysee statement said.
French nationals living in Algeria and who mostly own private companies, are concerned that the diplomatic rift between both countries would affect their businesses.
They hope discussions between French and Algerian high ranking officials would halt the deterioration in bilateral relations.
Michel Bisac, president of the Algerian French Chamber of Commerce and Industry, told the French-language news website Tout sur l'Algérie, that French residents in Algeria working in companies or in the finance and business fields, are “always welcomed by their Algerian partners.”
“The problem is mainly political,” he said in an attempt to minimize the escalated relations between both countries and its impact on jobs, and French investments in Algeria.
Bisac said most French companies have performed well in 2024, but the diplomatic escalation between the two countries has raised concerns.
“French companies in Algeria do not face any retaliatory measures. As for administrative difficulties, especially with regard to imports, they affect all foreign investors, and do not specifically target France,” he added.
Bisac said there is no campaign against France despite the tense relations, affirming that professional ties remain strong, and expatriates continue to work in a stable environment.
But as bilateral relations continue to deteriorate, he said, the economy could be affected, threatening years of Franco-Algerian cooperation.
Meanwhile, the government in Paris is divided on the French-Algerian crisis. French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau vowed a “gradual response” after Algeria refused Paris’ demand to readmit Algerian nationals from France that local authorities have deemed a threat and are seeking to expel.
In return, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot will travel to Algiers on April 11 at the invitation of his Algerian counterpart, Ahmed Attaf, as part of the effort to mend ties between both countries. He is expected to meet with Tebboune.
Recently, Algerians have shown a willingness to dialogue, but the local press has continued its attacks on right-wing French officials, including presidential candidate Bruno Retailleau, who has called for the termination of the 1968 Franco-Algerian immigration agreement.
In return, Algeria's parliament established a commission to draft a law criminalizing French colonial rule, a move deemed “historical” and backed by local lawmakers, historians, and legal experts. Observers expect Algeria to abandon this step when relations between Algiers and Paris return to normal.

 



Egypt Reiterates Rejection of Regional Conflict Expansion

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. Photo: Egyptian Presidency
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. Photo: Egyptian Presidency
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Egypt Reiterates Rejection of Regional Conflict Expansion

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. Photo: Egyptian Presidency
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. Photo: Egyptian Presidency

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has reiterated his rejection of any “expansion of the cycle of conflict in the region” as Israel and Iran engage in open warfare for a fourth day.

Sisi received on Sunday a phone call from Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, Spokesman for the Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, said.

He stated that the call focused on regional developments, and Sisi stressed Egypt’s “categorical rejection to any expansion of the cycle of conflict in the region, underscoring the crucial importance of ending Israel’s military operations across all regional fronts.”

Sisi warned that the continuation of the war will inflict grave harm on all peoples of the region.

He stressed the importance of the international community assuming a more effective role in compelling regional parties to act responsibly, saying “peaceful solutions remain the sole viable means to ensure security and stability in the region.”

According to Shennawy, Sisi underlined the urgent need to resume the US-Iranian negotiations in Oman, which represents the best solution to the current tension.

He reiterated Egypt's unequivocal stance to establish a Middle East free of weapons of mass destruction.

Sisi also stressed that a just and comprehensive resolution to the Palestinian cause remains the sole guarantor for achieving enduring peace and stability in the Middle East.

This necessitates an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, the release of hostages and detainees, and the establishment of an independent Palestinian State along the 1967 border, with East Jerusalem as its capital.