DZWatch Exclusive: A report published yesterday suggests that Germany’s intervention to secure the release of Boualem Sansal highlights France’s struggle to resolve its ongoing dispute with Algeria through traditional bilateral channels.
According to the report, the necessity for a trusted third-party mediator signifies a ‘decline in French influence in Algeria,’ despite the crisis entering its fifteenth month. The report points to the lasting impact of policies enacted by former French interior ministers as a key factor in the strained relationship.
The report asserts that the ideological and aggressive approaches adopted by Bruno Daniel Marie Paul Retailleau during his tenure at the French Ministry of Interior directly contributed to the breakdown of functional cooperation with Algeria. The report suggests that this approach exacerbated tensions and severed communication lines, ultimately prompting Paris to reassess its strategy following Retailleau’s departure.
The current Interior Minister, Laurent Nunez, has reportedly adopted a more cautious and flexible policy, expressing a sincere desire to restore warmth to bilateral relations, particularly in security and immigration matters. Nunez indicated that a potential visit to Algeria could mark a new chapter in dialogue between the two countries, following a period of unacceptable deterioration in relations.
Furthermore, the report claims that the head of French foreign intelligence, Nicolas Lerner, has alluded to signals from Algeria indicating a willingness to resume dialogue with France, following over a year of a deep diplomatic crisis. These signals, both ‘public and private,’ suggest a potential thaw in relations. France has consistently maintained its readiness to resume discussions with Algeria, while reiterating its demands for the release of its citizens.
The report concludes that Retailleau’s ideological and partisan policies ultimately served his own political ambitions, enabling him to win the presidency of the party. The long-term consequences of these actions continue to affect Franco-Algerian relations.
