Relations between Algeria and France are under severe strain, with tensions escalating over the so-called “visa war.” This issue has exposed the fragility of their ties, rooted in a complex colonial legacy and conflicting interests.
The latest crisis erupted following France’s public endorsement in July of Morocco’s autonomy plan for the Sahara.
Could these developments signify a fundamental shift in France’s regional policy, or are they merely a temporary political maneuver?
France’s Support for Moroccan Sahara: The Last Straw?
France’s support for Morocco’s autonomy initiative under its sovereignty has infuriated Algeria, which views the Sahara issue as a strategic matter. French President Emmanuel Macron described this stance as “rooted in history, respecting reality, and forward-looking” during his visit to Morocco, emphasizing that France intends to back Morocco in international institutions. Does this signal the end of France’s traditional balancing act in Algeria-Morocco relations?
The Visa War: Leverage or Escalation?
The crisis deepened as French officials, including Interior Minister Bruno Retellot, called for revising the 1968 agreement regulating Algerians’ entry to France. Accusations of Algeria’s failure to repatriate undocumented migrants led France to hint at reducing visa numbers, as it did in 2021.
Will France use this as a tool to pressure Algeria, or is this just a temporary tactic?
Internal Algerian Turmoil and Its External Implications
The tension is not limited to diplomacy. Inside Algeria, the arrest of French-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal and the detention of influential figures accused of inciting violence have further strained ties.
These developments come at a time when Algeria faces internal pressures linked to economic and political challenges, making it more sensitive to international moves affecting its interests.
Colonial Legacy: Can It Be Overcome?
The ongoing crisis cannot be separated from the historical legacy between Algeria and France, which has long been a point of deep contention.
As tensions rise, questions remain whether the two nations can move beyond this legacy to establish a partnership based on mutual interests rather than recurrent conflicts.
Crisis Outlook: What Lies Ahead?
With both sides maintaining firm stances, questions arise about whether the crisis can be contained or escalated further.
Will Algeria intensify its rhetoric against France in response to its support for Morocco’s Sahara sovereignty? Will Paris implement stricter measures, potentially deepening the rift and leading to diplomatic isolation? Or is there room for mediators to restore balance in this historically fraught relationship?
Recent developments indicate that this crisis could redefine Algeria-France relations, potentially creating a lasting impact on the region’s geopolitical dynamics.
