France to Send List of Expulsions to Algeria Amid Strained Relations
Paris prepares to transmit a list of Algerian nationals for expulsion, aiming to mend diplomatic ties affected by migration issues and the Western Sahara conflict.
The French government is preparing to send an initial list of Algerian nationals to be expelled from France to the Algerian authorities, with the aim of prompting a thaw in the currently strained diplomatic relations.
According to three governmental sources, this list, which includes 'several dozen' names, is expected to be officially communicated to Algeria very soon, with one source indicating 'this week,' another mentioning 'today or tomorrow,' and a third describing the action as 'imminent.' Internal Minister Bruno Retailleau confirmed on RTL radio that this is a 'first list' and acknowledged the inclusion of several dozen individuals.
Relations between France and Algeria have deteriorated notably due to Algeria's rejection of repatriations of its nationals who are in an irregular situation, including a suspect linked to a deadly attack in Mulhouse on February 22. This tension has been exacerbated since France's acknowledgment of Morocco's sovereignty over Western Sahara in July 2024. The recognition was made at the request of Morocco, an issue of critical importance to its government, and has led to significant diplomatic fallout with Algeria.
Retailleau recently met with President Emmanuel Macron for a discussion focused on Algeria, emphasizing the need for collaboration on expulsion initiatives.
Although the current list appears to fall short of the hundreds initially suggested by Retailleau, there may be additional lists forthcoming.
Macron aims to navigate the delicate dynamics of French-Algerian relations without exacerbating tensions, especially concerning migration, which could impact cooperation on sensitive issues such as counter-terrorism intelligence sharing.
The stability of Algeria, the largest nation in Africa facing a turbulent security environment in neighboring countries, is of strategic importance to France, particularly in the context of the potential return of Algerian or Franco-Algerian jihadists from conflict zones.
To alleviate rising tensions, Macron has urged for more direct communication, stating that addressing issues through the press is 'ridiculous' and ineffective.
This remark was partly in response to Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, who had described the current climate between Paris and Algiers as deleterious in an interview, highlighting the necessity for dialogue, conditional on Macron's openness to engage.
Algerian media has received Macron's conciliatory comments positively, while expressing concern over Retailleau's more aggressive stance.
Discussions regarding direct dialogue between Macron and Tebboune are ongoing, although the Elysée has not provided a response to inquiries about potential communications.
Meanwhile, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot has reiterated Paris's intention to restore constructive relations with Algeria, calling it a neighboring country with dense historical ties.
He emphasized the need for peaceful relations, stating that such an environment cannot be established unilaterally and urged Algerian authorities to consider the pending expulsion list as a means to initiate a new phase of bilateral relations, which could facilitate the resolution of existing disputes and the exploration of possible strategic cooperation.
According to three governmental sources, this list, which includes 'several dozen' names, is expected to be officially communicated to Algeria very soon, with one source indicating 'this week,' another mentioning 'today or tomorrow,' and a third describing the action as 'imminent.' Internal Minister Bruno Retailleau confirmed on RTL radio that this is a 'first list' and acknowledged the inclusion of several dozen individuals.
Relations between France and Algeria have deteriorated notably due to Algeria's rejection of repatriations of its nationals who are in an irregular situation, including a suspect linked to a deadly attack in Mulhouse on February 22. This tension has been exacerbated since France's acknowledgment of Morocco's sovereignty over Western Sahara in July 2024. The recognition was made at the request of Morocco, an issue of critical importance to its government, and has led to significant diplomatic fallout with Algeria.
Retailleau recently met with President Emmanuel Macron for a discussion focused on Algeria, emphasizing the need for collaboration on expulsion initiatives.
Although the current list appears to fall short of the hundreds initially suggested by Retailleau, there may be additional lists forthcoming.
Macron aims to navigate the delicate dynamics of French-Algerian relations without exacerbating tensions, especially concerning migration, which could impact cooperation on sensitive issues such as counter-terrorism intelligence sharing.
The stability of Algeria, the largest nation in Africa facing a turbulent security environment in neighboring countries, is of strategic importance to France, particularly in the context of the potential return of Algerian or Franco-Algerian jihadists from conflict zones.
To alleviate rising tensions, Macron has urged for more direct communication, stating that addressing issues through the press is 'ridiculous' and ineffective.
This remark was partly in response to Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, who had described the current climate between Paris and Algiers as deleterious in an interview, highlighting the necessity for dialogue, conditional on Macron's openness to engage.
Algerian media has received Macron's conciliatory comments positively, while expressing concern over Retailleau's more aggressive stance.
Discussions regarding direct dialogue between Macron and Tebboune are ongoing, although the Elysée has not provided a response to inquiries about potential communications.
Meanwhile, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot has reiterated Paris's intention to restore constructive relations with Algeria, calling it a neighboring country with dense historical ties.
He emphasized the need for peaceful relations, stating that such an environment cannot be established unilaterally and urged Algerian authorities to consider the pending expulsion list as a means to initiate a new phase of bilateral relations, which could facilitate the resolution of existing disputes and the exploration of possible strategic cooperation.
