Former French minister and prominent socialist figure Ségolène Royal has detailed her pivotal role in revitalizing Algerian-French dialogue following a nearly two-year hiatus caused by French presidential actions.
Algerian-French diplomatic relations revival
Speaking to Radio Sud FM, Royal, who also chairs the France-Algeria Association, revealed that French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin requested a meeting upon her return from Algeria to brief him on her visit. During their hour-long private discussion, Royal urged Darmanin to visit Algeria without preconditions, advising him against imposing conditions for the visit.
This intervention came after Darmanin had previously outlined conditions for a potential visit, including the release of French sports journalist Christophe Gellis, who was serving a seven-year sentence for terrorism-related charges, and the resumption of deportations of undocumented Algerian residents in France. These statements had led to Algeria's disengagement from the visit, which Paris had initiated.
Royal's visit to Algeria aimed to mend ties. She cautioned the French side against missing the opportunity to reset bilateral relations, emphasizing the need for the Interior Minister's visit to Algeria without prior conditions, stating, "All interior ministers in France hide behind that."
She further elaborated on her conversation with Darmanin, highlighting the principle of reciprocity: "If you need Algeria to relaunch partnership relations, you must go. If you want to set preconditions, there is no need to go. Does France accept having conditions imposed on it before its visit?"
Royal also recounted her meeting with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, who welcomed Darmanin's potential visit on the condition that no preconditions would be discussed. Royal found this stance entirely natural for a sovereign nation.
Furthermore, Royal criticized former French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau and the far-right for what she termed racist rhetoric targeting Algerians and North Africans. She argued that their focus on a few 'deviants' ignores the positive contributions of Algerians to France's development, citing the 6,000 Algerian doctors working in French hospitals as a key example.
Royal stressed the importance of shifting perceptions towards Algerians and North Africans, noting the significant achievements she witnessed in Algeria, including visits to artificial intelligence schools, factories, and successful enterprises. She asserted that Algerians are more than the stereotypes propagated by some French politicians.
Addressing historical grievances, Royal accused French President Emmanuel Macron of failing to fulfill his promises regarding the colonial past. She recalled Macron's 2017 campaign pledges, where he described colonialism as a crime against humanity and vowed to address decolonization and the restitution of cultural property. "France must apologize to Algeria," Royal stated, asserting that Macron has not offered even a "half-apology."
She questioned the lack of progress on these issues over the past decade, describing Macron's stance as a failure to commit, a lack of appreciation, and a disregard for African nations, characterizing it as neo-colonialism. Royal linked this approach to France's declining influence in Francophone African nations, citing the recent Franco-African summit held in Kenya, an Anglophone country, as evidence that French-speaking African leaders are hesitant to convene under French presidency. She concluded that France must establish equitable, respectful relations with its former colonies, a stark contrast to the current approach.
Related topics: Algeria France relations, diplomatic dialogue, Ségolène Royal, Gérald Darmanin, Bilateral partnership, Colonial history apology
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