Algeria Accuses France of Disinformation and Diplomatic Escalation Amidst Deportation Row
ALGIERS – Tensions between Algeria and France have escalated sharply following a diplomatic dispute over the attempted deportation of an Algerian social media influencer. Algeria’s Foreign Ministry on Saturday accused France of orchestrating a disinformation campaign and escalating diplomatic tensions through statements made by French officials. This accusation came in response to remarks by French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, who alleged that Algeria sought to humiliate France by refusing to accept the influencer, known online as "Doualemn." The Algerian government vehemently denied these allegations, asserting that it had no intention of escalating or humiliating France.
The heart of the dispute lies in the attempted deportation of Doualemn. French authorities attempted to deport him to Algeria on Thursday, but Algerian authorities refused entry, prompting his return to France. The Algerian Foreign Ministry clarified that its decision was motivated by a desire to allow Doualemn to address the accusations against him in French courts, primarily related to hate speech directed towards Algerian opposition members. Algiers contends that Paris failed to notify Algerian authorities of Doualemn’s arrest or the deportation decision, violating a 1974 consular agreement between the two nations. This lack of communication, according to Algeria, underscores the French government’s disregard for established diplomatic protocols and fuels the escalating tensions.
The current diplomatic crisis is further complicated by simmering tensions related to the Western Sahara conflict. Algeria accuses France of aligning itself with Morocco’s position on the issue, thereby undermining Algeria’s support for the Polisario Front’s pursuit of self-determination in the disputed territory. Algeria’s stance is rooted in its historical support for the Polisario Front and its belief in the right of the Sahrawi people to determine their own future. France’s perceived bias towards Morocco, a long-time ally, exacerbates Algeria’s concerns and contributes to the deterioration of relations between the two countries.
The arrest of Franco-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal in Algiers on November 16 further inflamed the situation. Sansal, a former Algerian government official, had previously claimed in French media that parts of northwestern Algeria historically belonged to Morocco, a statement seen by many in Algeria as supporting Moroccan territorial claims. This incident, coming amidst the already strained relations, poured fuel on the fire and heightened the sense of mistrust between Algiers and Paris.
The Algerian Foreign Ministry directly implicated the French far-right in what it described as a "disinformation campaign" targeting Algeria, noting the involvement of known French government members. While stopping short of directly accusing the French government of complicity, the statement strongly suggested that elements within the government were actively promoting a negative image of Algeria. This perceived campaign of misinformation, according to Algeria, is a deliberate attempt to undermine bilateral relations and further escalate tensions.
The interplay of these incidents – the deportation dispute, the Western Sahara conflict, and the arrest of Sansal – paints a picture of deepening mistrust and escalating tensions between Algeria and France. The Algerian government’s accusations of disinformation and diplomatic escalation highlight the seriousness of the situation and suggest that a resolution will require concerted efforts from both sides. The failure to resolve these issues could have long-term implications for the relationship between the two countries and potentially destabilize the region. The international community watches closely as the two nations navigate this complex and sensitive diplomatic landscape. The future of their relationship hinges on their ability to engage in constructive dialogue and find common ground amidst these challenging circumstances.