France-Algeria tensions rise as 6th Algerian influencer arrested
According to The New Arab on January 22nd, French authorities have arrested another Algerian social media influencer as tensions increase between Paris and Algiers.
The influencer, Rafik M, had “called on Tiktok for the carrying out of violent acts on French territory,” According to Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau.
Rafik is one of around 6 Algerians who have been arrested in France over the past month, due to accusations of calling for violence on French territory.
One of those arrested, known as “Doualemn”, was deported to Algeria but was quickly sent back to France to further anger French authorities.
Tensions have surged significantly between France and Algeria after President Emmanuel Macron renewed his support for Moroccan sovereignty over the disputed territory of Western Sahara during his 2024 visit to the country.
Western Sahara, is currently mostly under the de facto control of Morocco, However, the Algiers-backed Sahrawi separatists of the Polisario Front hold that a self-determination referendum needs to be held.
Meanwhile, Algeria have arrested French-Algerian novelist Boualem Sansal on national security charges on his arrival at an Algiers airport in November, this led to Right-wing politician Retailleau, accusing Algeria of “seeking to humiliate France”.
The far-right in France has urged the government to take tougher measures against Algiers, instating sanctions that include cancelling aid, cooperation agreements and visas.
Earlier in January, French foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot has said that France will have “no option but to retaliate” if “the Algerians continue to escalate” the conflict.
However, Algeria has rejected France’s accusation of escalation, labelling the accusations a “campaign of disinformation.”
According to Afrinz.ru On January 21st, Defence minister Sebastien Lecornu called for a “rebuilding of the relationship” between Algeria and France, expressing his regret over “the current excesses of the Algerian government”.
Hardline Retailleau himself has also admitted that”we[France] now need to normalise our diplomatic relations with Algeria”, going on to state that “the time has come to turn the page.”