Faith Nyasuguta
In a key move aimed at mending diplomatic relations, France and Algeria have agreed to renew cooperation across various sectors. This agreement marks a crucial step toward normalizing ties after years of tension, underscoring a shared commitment to overcoming past grievances and building a future based on mutual respect and collaboration.
The announcement followed a productive day of high-level talks between French officials and Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, who has played a central role in the renewed engagement. The discussions are part of a broader effort by France to reset its relationship with its former colony.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noell Barrot, who participated in the talks, expressed optimism about the new chapter in the relationship between the two nations. After a two-and-a-half-hour meeting with President Tebboune, Barrot stated that both sides were eager to establish a partnership rooted in mutual respect and equality. “We go back to normal, and to repeat the words of President Tebboune: ‘the curtain is lifted,’” Barrot remarked, emphasizing the shift toward renewed diplomatic engagement.
A key outcome of the talks was the decision to re-establish cooperation on a range of issues, including security, migration, economic development and education. This broader agreement highlights the determination of both countries to build a long-term, strategic relationship, not just as former colonial powers but as modern partners seeking solutions to regional and global challenges.
One of the central areas of cooperation discussed was the Sahel region, which has been plagued by increasing jihadist violence and political instability, compounded by a wave of military coups that have altered the political climate. France has been a significant player in the region, but its influence has been waning in recent years. Both countries agreed on the necessity of a strategic dialogue on the Sahel, with the aim of addressing these security challenges collaboratively.
Migration and visa issues were also high on the agenda. The two nations agreed to resume cooperation on these fronts within the framework of existing agreements, a move that is expected to ease tensions around these complex and often contentious topics. Both parties emphasized the importance of addressing migration concerns while ensuring the effective management of visa processes, allowing for smoother exchanges between their populations.
In addition to migration and security, the renewed cooperation extends to other key areas such as energy, education, and economic development. Algeria and France reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties in these sectors, signaling a willingness to leave past conflicts behind and focus on creating positive outcomes for both nations.
The strained relationship between France and Algeria has been marked by a series of diplomatic spats over the years, largely rooted in unresolved issues stemming from France’s colonial legacy. One of the most significant flashpoints occurred in 2021 when Algeria recalled its ambassador from Paris and barred French military aircraft from using its airspace in protest over French policies.
This was compounded in 2022 when Algeria prohibited French assistance to private schools in the country, a move that strained cultural and educational ties, which had long been a cornerstone of their relationship.
Tensions also flared after French President Emmanuel Macron expressed support for Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara, a territory that has been a longstanding point of dispute between Algeria and Morocco. Algeria has consistently backed the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination, and France’s endorsement of Morocco’s claim was seen as a betrayal, further deepening the rift.
The relationship hit another low in November 2024, when Algerian authorities arrested French-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal, sentencing him to five years in prison over comments made to a French media outlet. This incident added to the already fragile diplomatic climate, reflecting the complexities of the political and cultural tensions between the two nations.
Despite these challenges, the recent talks between France and Algeria represent a significant step forward. By agreeing to renew cooperation across multiple sectors, both nations have signaled their willingness to move beyond past grievances and build a relationship focused on shared interests and pragmatic solutions to regional and global challenges.
RELATED:
