Diplomatic Relations Between France and Algeria: Initiatives for Dialogue Amidst Continuing Tensions
Following months of strained relations, the leaders of France and Algeria emphasize the importance of dialogue based on shared strategic interests.
Eight months after the onset of an unprecedented diplomatic crisis, French President Emmanuel Macron and his Algerian counterpart Abdelmadjid Tebboune have emphasized the necessity of resuming dialogue 'on equal terms' due to the 'strength of the ties' that unite France and Algeria and their shared strategic interests.
The impetus for renewed conversations stems from various factors, including the need for security cooperation and the complexity surrounding Algerians whom France finds difficult to deport.
Current estimates suggest that France is home to a significant Algerian community of approximately 649,991 individuals as of 2024, representing a 0.5% increase from the previous year, alongside about 1.2 million descendants of Algerian migrants, according to demographic research.
The potential for visa restrictions, particularly concerning short-term family visits, directly affects this diaspora.
French Prime Minister François Bayrou and Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot have expressed their commitment to not imposing the burdens of this diplomatic crisis on the Algerian community in France.
In terms of security cooperation, experts highlight Algeria's importance as a preferred partner in the fight against terrorism, given its expertise and resources.
France's objective includes maintaining stability in Algeria, the largest country in Africa, which shares borders with Mali, Niger, and Libya—regions characterized by significant security challenges.
Both nations plan to resume collaboration in combating jihadism in the Sahel region, focusing on intelligence sharing aimed at containing the rise of armed groups and various trafficking networks, including drugs, arms, and human trafficking.
Additionally, discussions will address the potential repatriation of hundreds of Algerian or Franco-Algerian jihadists from Syria.
Economically, Algeria is an important energy player, with France listed as one of its gas clients, importing approximately €6 billion worth of gas.
This accounts for about 6 to 7% of France's total gas supply, although some diplomatic sources suggest that while it is important, it is not critical.
Recent tensions have negatively impacted French interests in Algeria, where about 6,000 French companies operate.
Reports indicate a 20 to 30% decline in commercial flows across certain sectors over the past year, notably due to the halt of wheat imports from France.
While smaller enterprises are disproportionately affected, larger corporations have also experienced setbacks, highlighted by the suspension of Renault's factory restart in Algeria.
Immigration issues have played a particularly volatile role in bilateral relations, especially concerning the repatriation of Algerians subject to orders to leave France (Obligation de Quitter le Territoire Français, or OQTF).
The crisis escalated drastically following an incident in Mulhouse on February 22, which resulted in a fatality due to an attack perpetrated by an Algerian national who had been subject to multiple repatriation requests that Algeria denied.
Recent data from the Directorate General of Foreigners in France notes an increase in forced returns, with 3,000 Algerians deported out of approximately 34,000 identified as irregular.
In the aftermath of the Mulhouse incident, French officials contemplated imposing visa restrictions, including on work visas and diplomatic visas.
However, exacting measures regarding visas for dignitaries may be circumvented due to a recent reciprocity agreement between Algeria and Slovenia.
Furthermore, Algeria may secure Schengen visas through bilateral ties with other EU nations such as Italy, Germany, and Spain, which are significant purchasers of Algerian gas.
In relation to its standing with the EU, Algeria seeks France's support for the renegotiation of its association agreement with the European Union, its largest commercial partner.
Established in 2005, this agreement includes provisions for the gradual and reciprocal elimination of import duties on goods.
Algerian experts have estimated that the current agreement has led to a loss of over $30 billion in revenue, due to challenges posed by competition against public and private enterprises in Algeria within a historically closed economic environment reliant on oil derivatives.
President Tebboune has expressed intentions to initiate negotiations with the EU regarding this agreement's revision starting in 2025, with Macron extending France's support for these discussions.
The impetus for renewed conversations stems from various factors, including the need for security cooperation and the complexity surrounding Algerians whom France finds difficult to deport.
Current estimates suggest that France is home to a significant Algerian community of approximately 649,991 individuals as of 2024, representing a 0.5% increase from the previous year, alongside about 1.2 million descendants of Algerian migrants, according to demographic research.
The potential for visa restrictions, particularly concerning short-term family visits, directly affects this diaspora.
French Prime Minister François Bayrou and Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot have expressed their commitment to not imposing the burdens of this diplomatic crisis on the Algerian community in France.
In terms of security cooperation, experts highlight Algeria's importance as a preferred partner in the fight against terrorism, given its expertise and resources.
France's objective includes maintaining stability in Algeria, the largest country in Africa, which shares borders with Mali, Niger, and Libya—regions characterized by significant security challenges.
Both nations plan to resume collaboration in combating jihadism in the Sahel region, focusing on intelligence sharing aimed at containing the rise of armed groups and various trafficking networks, including drugs, arms, and human trafficking.
Additionally, discussions will address the potential repatriation of hundreds of Algerian or Franco-Algerian jihadists from Syria.
Economically, Algeria is an important energy player, with France listed as one of its gas clients, importing approximately €6 billion worth of gas.
This accounts for about 6 to 7% of France's total gas supply, although some diplomatic sources suggest that while it is important, it is not critical.
Recent tensions have negatively impacted French interests in Algeria, where about 6,000 French companies operate.
Reports indicate a 20 to 30% decline in commercial flows across certain sectors over the past year, notably due to the halt of wheat imports from France.
While smaller enterprises are disproportionately affected, larger corporations have also experienced setbacks, highlighted by the suspension of Renault's factory restart in Algeria.
Immigration issues have played a particularly volatile role in bilateral relations, especially concerning the repatriation of Algerians subject to orders to leave France (Obligation de Quitter le Territoire Français, or OQTF).
The crisis escalated drastically following an incident in Mulhouse on February 22, which resulted in a fatality due to an attack perpetrated by an Algerian national who had been subject to multiple repatriation requests that Algeria denied.
Recent data from the Directorate General of Foreigners in France notes an increase in forced returns, with 3,000 Algerians deported out of approximately 34,000 identified as irregular.
In the aftermath of the Mulhouse incident, French officials contemplated imposing visa restrictions, including on work visas and diplomatic visas.
However, exacting measures regarding visas for dignitaries may be circumvented due to a recent reciprocity agreement between Algeria and Slovenia.
Furthermore, Algeria may secure Schengen visas through bilateral ties with other EU nations such as Italy, Germany, and Spain, which are significant purchasers of Algerian gas.
In relation to its standing with the EU, Algeria seeks France's support for the renegotiation of its association agreement with the European Union, its largest commercial partner.
Established in 2005, this agreement includes provisions for the gradual and reciprocal elimination of import duties on goods.
Algerian experts have estimated that the current agreement has led to a loss of over $30 billion in revenue, due to challenges posed by competition against public and private enterprises in Algeria within a historically closed economic environment reliant on oil derivatives.
President Tebboune has expressed intentions to initiate negotiations with the EU regarding this agreement's revision starting in 2025, with Macron extending France's support for these discussions.
