France’s relationship with its former colonies in North Africa has seen a noticeable slide towards a tense phase in recent times, reflecting a crisis affecting its old spheres of influence. However, it is now attempting to mend fences with Algeria, manage the quiet tensions with Tunisia, and navigate conflicting agendas with Libya through “soft tactics.”
Unresolved Questions
Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s visit to France has been postponed several times, originally scheduled for early May this year. Speculation surrounds the official visit’s timing, leaving many unanswered questions about the nature of the relationship between Algeria and Paris regarding matters of memory and the present.
In a recent blow to the French cultural component, Algeria issued a shocking decision that bans the use of French language teaching programs in the private sector.
Official circles in France were also displeased with Algeria’s decision to incorporate two musical notes from its national anthem into official ceremonies, especially the third segment that states: “Oh France, the time for reproach has passed, and we have closed that chapter like a book. Oh France, the day of reckoning is approaching, so prepare yourself and take our answer.”
As for Tunisia, despite French President Emmanuel Macron’s disregard for decisions made by his counterpart, Kais Saied, in 2021 – including the suspension of parliament – Carthage Palace remains firm in its sovereignty stance, rejecting the role of “Europe’s policeman” in the issue of illegal immigration or settling migrants in exchange for financial incentives.
Libya, once an Italian colony and now divided into two governments—one in Benghazi and the other in Tripoli, internationally recognized—is watching Paris’s role with skepticism. France has sought to improve its image by hosting several conferences on Libya, including the recent meeting of the 5+5 military committee.
However, the straw that broke the camel’s back was the reduction of visa issuance to France by 30% for Tunisia and 50% for Algeria and Morocco. This decision was made secretly at the Élysée Palace and was announced by Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin in September 2020.
Political analyst and international relations professor Hakim Bougarra emphasized that French relations with North African countries are in a “very bad state” due to several factors.
Bougarra referred to French provocations against Algeria, which he said target its sovereignty and history. He noted that “dark circles” within the French internal lobby still long for colonialism, and there are elites who want to make Algeria a former colony with diminished sovereignty. In response, Algeria delayed President Tebboune’s visit.
Bougarra added, “This is in addition to many problems that have led to France’s failure in Africa, providing harsh lessons in maintaining its relations with the continent,” according to the Algerian political analyst.
The same applies, according to the political analyst, to Tunisia and Libya due to French pressure to manipulate internal crises in a way that serves Paris’s interests and exerting pressure on the issue of illegal immigration.
In this challenging context, Macron has turned to soft approaches. Last Wednesday, he sent a message through French Ambassador Stéphane Romatet to Tebboune, possibly discussing the postponed visit.
In contrast, King Mohammed VI of Morocco appointed Samira Sitaïl as the new ambassador to France on Thursday, according to a statement from the royal palace. The position had remained vacant since January 19.
Macron’s approach to the silent crises with North African countries reflects a complex web of historical, political, and economic factors. As France seeks to navigate these challenges, the region remains a critical geopolitical hotspot with repercussions that extend far beyond its borders.
