Tension escalated relations between Algeria and France

Department of Research, Studies and International Relations 31-08-2024

Algeria and France’s rich history of tensions, sparked by over 130 years of colonialism, prevails after Paris backed Morocco’s recent proposal for Western Sahara’s autonomy.

Tensions between  Algeria and France  have increased after years of relative diplomatic ease, sparked by Paris’ backing of Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara.

Algeria denounced this as a “step that no other French government had taken before”, as Algeria backs Western Sahara’s pro-independence Polisario Front.

Algerian President Tebboune  has now rescheduled his visit to the former colonial power twice, and it is speculated the overall trip may be canceled.

Last month,  Algeria withdrew its ambassador to Paris  following French President Emmanuel Macron’s statement that Morocco’s autonomy plan was the only viable solution for Western Sahara.

The North African country was under French colonialism for 132 years, gaining its independence in 1962 following the Algerian revolution, which resulted in the collapse of the French empire, in a revolution that saw the murder of 1.5 million Algerians by French troops.

France has attempted to make amends after its brutal occupation of Algeria however, it refuses to apologize or repent   for its atrocities in the Arab country.

“The national narrative about the Algerian war is still dominant and during a campaign like the presidential election, Algerians are sensitive to these issues in their internal policy choices,” Hasni Abidi of the Geneva-based CERMAM Study Center told AFP.