French Interior Minister to visit Algeria, “to restart dialogue”

Following the release of French-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal from Algerian jails, French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez announced there was a “high chance he would visit Algeria”, according to Reuters on 13th November. Sansal was freed on 12th November by a presidential pardon, following a request from German president Steinmeier.

In a sign that the tensions between both countries are finally beginning to resolve, Nuñez welcomed the Algerian President’s gesture and insisted on the need for dialogue. In an interview with right-wing TV channel BFMTV, Nuñez reiterated his conciliatory position, repeating that “a standoff doesn’t work”. His approach appears radically different to that of his predecessor Bruno Retailleau, widely criticized for inflaming tensions with Algeria with multiple declarations perceived as offensive. Nuñez’s appointment on the other hand was celebrated by Algeria media, as he comes from a Spanish family who lived in Algeria before settling in France, and he is perceived as more diplomatic, more likely to work collaboratively with the Algerian authorities.

Nuñez was also asked about Christophe Gleizes, a French journalist still imprisoned in Algeria, and he answered he “didn’t have any news”. Gleizes was sentenced to 7 years in jail in June 2025 for “glorifying terrorism” as he was writing an article on a Kabyle football club. His appeal is set to take place on 3rd December, and will be followed closely by French authorities.

Algeria and France have had no official diplomatic relations since Algeria recalled its ambassador in July 2024, following President Macron’s decision to support the Moroccan autonomy plan for the Western Sahara. The French ambassador to Algeria, Stéphane Romatet, was also recalled to France last Spring, officially for “consultations.” The case of Sansal, a controversial writer who obtained French citizenship in 2024 and had been jailed in Algeria for “attempt against the country’s unity”, was a thorny issue. Its resolution marks a positive step towards reconciliation between France and Algeria.

Reuters, BFMTV