French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot expressed serious doubts on Sunday regarding Algeria’s commitment to a previously agreed-upon roadmap for improving bilateral relations.
This statement comes amidst the deteriorating Franco-Algerian relations following France’s support of Morocco’s claim over its Sahara and the growing concern over the ongoing imprisonment of Algerian writer Boualem Sansal.
“In 2022, we drafted a roadmap, and we want it to be followed,” Minister Barrot stated in an interview with RTL radio.
“However, we are witnessing actions and decisions by the Algerian authorities that cast doubt on their intention to adhere to this roadmap. Because a roadmap requires the participation of both parties,” he added.
Barrot echoed President Macron’s deep concern over the rejection of the release request submitted by Sansal and his legal team.
The 75-year-old author, born to a Moroccan father and an Algerian mother, has been incarcerated since mid-November for allegedly threatening state security and has been hospitalized since mid-December.
“I am concerned about his health,” Barrot emphasized. “France strongly upholds freedom of expression and opinion and believes the reasons cited by the Algerian authorities for his imprisonment are unjustified.”
The escalating tensions further intensified with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s recent characterization of Sansal as an “imposter” sent by France.
Tebboune, in an official speech reported by the Algerian news website TSA, accused Sansal of harboring intentions detrimental to Algeria’s national security.
Sansal, who acquired French citizenship in 2024, is facing charges under Article 87 bis of the Penal Code, which criminalizes any act perceived as a threat to the state’s security, territorial integrity, and institutional stability.
His outspoken criticism of the Algerian government, including his public support for Morocco’s claims regarding the Sahara, has reportedly angered Algerian authorities.
The current diplomatic impasse stems from a series of events, including Algeria’s withdrawal of its ambassador from Paris last July in response to President Macron’s vocal support for Morocco’s position on its Sahara.
Despite these setbacks, Minister Barrot reiterated France’s desire to maintain positive relations with Algeria. However, he acknowledged that the current state of affairs falls far short of this objective.
The Boualem Sansal case has become a focal point in the deteriorating Franco-Algerian relationship, raising serious concerns about human rights and freedom of expression within the country.
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