Date: December 15, 2024
Algerian media reported today that the country’s authorities have summoned the French ambassador, Stéphane Romatet, and issued a “severe warning” over what they described as “hostile schemes” orchestrated by French intelligence services.
According to the Algerian government daily El Moudjahid, citing “reliable diplomatic sources,” Ambassador Romatet was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Algiers last week. The move was triggered by allegations of French intelligence involvement in recruiting former Algerian militants for destabilization efforts in Algeria.
The El Moudjahid article highlighted one particular case involving Mohamed Amine Issaoui, a 35-year-old Algerian. Recently, Algerian International TV broadcast what it claimed were Issaoui’s confessions, exposing a plot allegedly orchestrated by French intelligence. The report did not disclose details of other individuals involved.
The summoning of Ambassador Romatet, according to El Moudjahid, served as a “clear and stern warning” in response to what Algerian officials perceive as repeated provocations and hostile actions by France. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reportedly conveyed Algeria’s “strong condemnation of these activities” and warned that such behavior “will not go without consequences.”
“Concrete Evidence” of Hostile Actions
Another leading Algerian newspaper, Le Soir d’Algérie, reported that Algerian authorities pointed specifically to activities conducted by the Direction Générale de la Sécurité Extérieure (DGSE), the French external intelligence service. Officials asserted that the country would not remain “passive” in the face of what they described as “ongoing violations of Algeria’s sovereignty.”
In a related report, El Khabar underscored the gravity of the evidence presented to the French ambassador, noting that the incidents were backed by “irrefutable proof.” Algerian officials reportedly emphasized that they are losing patience with what they called “France’s duplicity” and warned Paris to anticipate a “strong response.”
Context of Strained Relations
Tensions between Algeria and France have been escalating for months. Algeria recalled its ambassador from Paris on July 30, 2024, in response to France’s backing of Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara, a territory disputed between Morocco and the Polisario Front. Algeria, which supports the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination, viewed France’s stance as a direct affront.
The latest developments add another layer of discord to a relationship already fraught with historical grievances and diplomatic disagreements. President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, who has yet to visit France since taking office, had previously postponed a state visit to Paris multiple times. Initially planned for May 2023, the visit was delayed to June 2023, and later to the fall of 2024, only to be canceled amid ongoing disputes.
Broader Implications
This diplomatic rift occurs against the backdrop of other contentious issues, including the detention of French-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal. Sansal has been held in Algeria for nearly a month on charges of “endangering national unity,” prompting criticism from French media and far-right politicians calling for his release.
With France-Algeria relations already strained, the Algerian government’s sharp rhetoric and allegations against French intelligence indicate a further deterioration. Algeria’s firm stance suggests it is prepared to take additional measures to defend its sovereignty.
For more updates, visit DZWATCH.
Author: Nor-Eleslam
