Algerian Foreign Minister restarts dialogue with French counterpart

Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf had a phone conversation with his French counterpart Jean-Noel Barrot for the first time in months, reports Jeune Afrique on March 16th.

The discussion focused on “bilateral cooperation” and restarting diplomatic relations after the unprecedented crisis that followed France’s recognition of the Moroccan plan for the Western Sahara in July 2023.

They acknowledge the importance of keeping communication channels open, particularly in a context of worsening crisis in the Middle East.

They also discussed the case of French journalist Christophe Gleizes, who is currently serving a 7-year jail sentence for “glorifying terrorism”, after he had made contact with a leader from the proscribed group MAK (Movement for the Autonomy of Kabylia).

Since Interior Minister Laurent Nunez’s visit to Algiers in February 2025, tensions between the two countries have thawed, leading to discussions about reopening embassies and sharing intelligence on security issues.

Nunez also recently attended an iftar event at Paris’ Grand Mosque with ambassadors from several Muslim countries, and he once again reaffirmed the importance of keeping an open dialogue with Algeria to appease tensions.

There are also discussions about the return of ambassadors: the last Algerian ambassador to France, Said Moussi, was recalled in July 2024 and was then appointed ambassador to Portugal.

The French ambassador to Algeria, Stephane Romatet, was in post from July 2023 until he was recalled in April 2024 in a dispute over the arrest of an Algerian consular official.

Although Romatet is a controversial figure in Algeria due to the derogatory comments he made in a documentary about the North African state, reports say he will return to his role soon, as France has apparently asked him to resume his work.

Algeria, on the other hand, will have to name a new ambassador. The return of respective ambassadors would send a strong signal that the diplomatic crisis is finally resolved.

Jeune Afrique, TSA-Algérie, Maghrebi.org