Paris-Algiers relations under more diplomatic strain
France is set to tighten diplomatic and visa measures against Algeria, and the risk of lasting damage to relations is high, as reported by the Morocco-friendly outlet North Africa Post on August 15th.
In recent months, French President Emmanuel Macron has suspended the 2013 visa exemption arrangement for Algerian diplomatic and service passport holders and activated the visa-readmission mechanism, which the outlet described as a “strategic rupture” in relations. The report links this development to tensions over Algerian support for the Polisario Front in Western Sahara but French electoral troubles could also be responsible.
The immediate catalyst for a souring in relations cited by the report is the case of Amir DZ, or Amir Boukhours, a Franco-Algerian cyberactivist reportedly abducted in France in an operation involving Algerian intelligence operatives. French authorities have issued international arrest warrants for Salaheddine Selloum, a former embassy official and intelligence officer, and Colonel Mohamed Bouaziz, a consular officer, who are awaiting charges including kidnapping, conspiracy with terrorist intent and unlawful detention.
The report also alleges broader patterns of diplomatic misconduct by Algerian officials, including claims of trafficking, currency smuggling and political intimidation, evidenced by French airport surveillance footage. In response, Paris has revoked access badges for Algerian diplomatic couriers and tightened airport protocols.
According to the outlet, Macron’s measures under Article 22 of the EU Visa Code have restricted access for targeted Algerian officials to the entire Schengen zone, requiring short stay visas to be cleared through France. A reported list of over 1,000 Algerian officials will be affected.
The article also stated that the EU-Algeria Association Agreement is now under review, with the European Commission initiating arbitration proceedings over alleged violations, such as arbitrary import bans and investment restrictions, which could affect Algeria’s economy.
The North Africa Post also reported that European caution towards Algeria may be changing in response to these developments, which could raise concerns given the economic and diplomatic pressures already facing Algiers.
The North Africa Post, Maghrebi
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