Boualem Sansal’s Detention Deepens Franco-Algerian Rift
The arrest and continued detention of French-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal have further strained the already fragile relationship between France and Algeria. French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian expressed deep concern over Sansal’s health and the legitimacy of his detention, casting doubt on Algeria’s commitment to improving bilateral ties.
This latest diplomatic snag comes after a 2022 roadmap was established to mend relations between the two nations. Le Drian, in an interview with RTL radio, stated, “We established a roadmap in 2022…and we would like it to be adhered to. However, we are observing stances and decisions from the Algerian authorities that raise doubts about their intention to follow this roadmap. It takes two to tango.” This sentiment echoes growing frustration within the French government regarding the perceived lack of progress in the bilateral relationship.
Sansal, the 75-year-old author of “2084: The End of the World,” a dystopian novel critical of religious extremism, was detained at Algiers airport on November 16th. He is accused of endangering state security under Article 87 bis of the Algerian penal code, a broad provision often used to silence dissent. This article criminalizes any act deemed to threaten “state security, national unity, territorial integrity, the stability of institutions, and their normal functioning.” Human rights organizations, such as [link to relevant human rights organization e.g., Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch report on Algeria and freedom of expression], have criticized this law for its vagueness and potential for misuse.
Adding fuel to the fire, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune publicly denounced Sansal as a “fraud…sent by France,” further escalating tensions. This statement, coupled with the denial of Sansal’s release request, has deepened French anxieties. Le Drian emphasized France’s unwavering commitment to freedom of expression, stating, “I am worried about his health…France is very attached to freedom of expression and freedom of opinion and considers the reasons that may have led the Algerian authorities to detain him to be invalid.” This stance aligns with broader international concerns regarding the shrinking space for free speech in several countries, as highlighted by [link to a relevant article or report on global freedom of expression trends].
The Sansal affair is the latest in a series of incidents that have strained Franco-Algerian relations. In July, Algeria recalled its ambassador from Paris following French President Emmanuel Macron’s support for Morocco’s autonomy plan for the disputed Western Sahara region. Macron’s subsequent visit to Rabat in late October to strengthen bilateral ties with Morocco further exacerbated the situation. The Western Sahara conflict, a long-standing territorial dispute between Morocco and the Polisario Front, backed by Algeria, has become a major point of contention between Paris and Algiers. [Link to a resource explaining the Western Sahara conflict].
The deteriorating relationship between France and Algeria has significant implications for regional stability and counter-terrorism efforts in the Sahel region. Both countries are key players in the fight against extremist groups, and cooperation between them is crucial. The current diplomatic impasse raises concerns about the future of this collaboration and the potential for increased instability in the region. [Link to an article or report on the security situation in the Sahel].
The detention of Boualem Sansal has brought the complex and often fraught relationship between France and Algeria back into the spotlight. It remains to be seen how this latest episode will impact the already fragile diplomatic ties and what steps, if any, will be taken to resolve the current impasse.
