Paris, France – Boualem Sansal, the Franco-Algerian writer, has been awarded the prestigious Legion of Honor by the French Republic. The honor, France’s highest national order of merit, established by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802, has sparked considerable debate in Algeria.
The award, bestowed upon Sansal along with 615 other individuals, recognizes those deemed to have contributed to the ‘public good’ and embody a certain ideal of merit. The honor comes shortly after Sansal’s release from an Algerian prison in November 2025, where he served nearly a year on charges of ‘undermining national unity’ due to controversial statements regarding Algeria’s borders.
Prior to receiving the Legion of Honor, Sansal was awarded the prestigious Prix Chino Del Duca by the Académie Française in December 2025, accompanied by a €200,000 prize. He was also appointed Honorary President of the Nice Book Festival, themed ‘Courage.’
Critics in Algeria view the timing and context of these awards with suspicion. They argue that Sansal’s vocal criticism of the Algerian government and his questioning of the nation’s historical narrative have made him a favored figure among certain French elites.
This pattern, they contend, represents a recurring theme: those who criticize Algeria, challenge its history, and promote narratives aligned with French colonial interests are often rewarded with recognition and accolades in France. The question isn’t whether Sansal deserves recognition for his literary work, but rather whether his criticisms of Algeria played a role in accelerating his path to these prestigious honors. The situation raises questions about the criteria used for such awards and the potential for political considerations to influence the selection process.
