Algeria has accused France of orchestrating a disinformation campaign and escalating diplomatic tensions, marking a new low in relations between the two countries. The crisis stems from Algeria’s rejection of France’s deportation of an Algerian social media influencer and broader disagreements over the Western Sahara conflict.
The Algerian Foreign Ministry issued a statement on Saturday, responding to allegations by French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau that Algeria sought to “humiliate” France for refusing to receive the influencer, known online as “Doualemn.” Algeria refuted the claims, asserting it was not pursuing a strategy of escalation or humiliation.
Influencer Deportation Sparks Dispute
Paris allegedly failed to inform Algerian authorities about the influencer’s arrest or planned deportation, violating a 1974 consular agreement between the nations. Doualemn was sent to Algeria on Thursday but was immediately returned to France as Algerian authorities refused his entry.
The Foreign Ministry clarified that the decision was made to allow Doualemn to address accusations against him in French courts, where he faces charges of spreading hate speech against Algerian opposition figures.
Broader Diplomatic Row
This incident unfolds against the backdrop of a deeper diplomatic rift. Algeria has accused France of aligning with Morocco’s stance on the Western Sahara conflict. Algeria supports the Polisario Front’s call for self-determination in the disputed region, while France has endorsed Morocco’s proposal for autonomy.
Tensions were further inflamed by Algeria’s arrest of Franco-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal at Algiers Airport on November 16, 2024. Sansal, a former Algerian official and outspoken critic, had previously claimed in French media that parts of northwestern Algeria historically belonged to Morocco.
The escalating dispute reflects the fragility of ties between Algiers and Paris, with unresolved historical grievances and geopolitical rivalries compounding the diplomatic strain.