France Says Diplomatic Channels Reopened With Algeria After 18-Month Crisis

The French ambassador to Algeria, Stéphane Romatet, said communication between Paris and Algiers has recently resumed after an 18-month diplomatic crisis, though relations remain strained and unresolved.

In an interview with French radio station RFI, Stéphane Romatet, who was recalled from Algiers in April 2025, described the past months as a “virtual breakdown in relations between France and Algeria.” He confirmed that contacts have been reestablished in recent weeks through working meetings between French and Algerian specialists.

Despite this progress, Romatet stressed that the crisis is not fully resolved. France, he said, is waiting for Algeria to take “the first steps” toward resuming full consular cooperation, particularly on sensitive issues.

According to the ambassador, Paris has two priorities of “absolute and imperative necessity”: the resumption of security cooperation and migration coordination, including the readmission of individuals subject to OQTF (obligation to leave French territory).

“We have demands: the resumption of security cooperation and the resumption of migration cooperation. It is essential,” Romatet stated, calling for both sides to move beyond the prolonged diplomatic freeze.

The renewed dialogue was reflected in the visit of Anne-Marie Descôtes, Secretary General of the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs (Quai d’Orsay), to Algiers last November. This marked the first reestablishment of a diplomatic channel since July 2024, notably to address the crisis in the Sahel.

Romatet also noted that the meeting allowed for discussions on Western Sahara following the UN Security Council’s vote on Resolution 2797.

Regarding the planned visit of French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez, the ambassador confirmed that the trip had been scheduled and that the minister was officially invited by Algerian authorities. He described this invitation as a positive gesture but emphasized that the visit must be carefully prepared to ensure concrete outcomes on security and migration cooperation.

As for his own return to Algiers, Romatet said the decision rests with President Emmanuel Macron and will depend on whether the necessary political conditions are met.

Ongoing Obstacles and Economic Tensions

The ambassador highlighted two major obstacles to normalization: the continued detention of French journalist Christophe Gleizes and Algeria’s proposed bill criminalizing colonization. He said both issues complicate efforts to ease tensions.

Economic relations have also suffered. Romatet accused Algeria of using “economic weapons” during the crisis, citing reports of quasi-boycott measures against French companies. He warned that renegotiating Algeria’s association agreement with the European Union is impossible as long as discriminatory trade barriers remain in place.

While diplomatic contacts between France and Algeria have resumed, significant political, security, and economic hurdles remain. Both sides appear cautiously engaged, but a full normalization of relations will depend on concrete actions and mutual concessions in the coming months.