Algeria Sends “Positive Signals” to France as Diplomatic Relations Begin to Thaw

Nicolas Lerner, head of France’s intelligence service, announced on November 10 that Algeria is showing “positive signals” toward renewing dialogue with Paris, marking the first signs of reconciliation after more than a year of diplomatic tension.

The director of the DGSE, France’s foreign intelligence agency, Nicolas Lerner, confirmed on public radio France Inter that Algeria has been sending “positive signals,” both public and discreet, suggesting its readiness to reengage diplomatically with France.

After more than a year of strained relations, French intelligence sources indicate that communication channels between Paris and Algiers are once again active. “Today, we have signals from the Algerian side showing a willingness to resume dialogue,” said Lerner, noting that even at the height of the crisis, cooperation in counterterrorism was never entirely severed.

Lerner described the diplomatic standoff as “perhaps the most serious crisis since independence,” but insisted that both nations share a strong interest in overcoming it. “If the Algerian services were to detect a threat on French soil, I believe they would have reported it,” he added.

Observers point to France’s recent cabinet reshuffle as a major turning point. The departure of Bruno Retailleau from the Ministry of the Interior and his replacement by Laurent Nuñez on October 12 was interpreted in Algiers as the removal of a key obstacle to renewed dialogue.

Toward a gradual thaw in relations?

The appointment of Laurent Nuñez has already led to a more conciliatory tone. Nuñez has stated that revisiting the 1968 bilateral agreements “is not on the agenda” and emphasized the importance of restoring security cooperation between the two nations.

Nevertheless, deep-rooted disagreements persist—particularly concerning deportation procedures, travel documentation, the Western Sahara issue, and the upcoming appeal trial of French journalist Christophe Gleizes and Algerian writer Boualem Sansal, scheduled for December 3, 2025.

While the road to reconciliation remains complex, the latest diplomatic gestures and statements from both sides suggest a cautious but genuine willingness to rebuild trust and cooperation between Algiers and Paris.