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Rabat – Amid a flaring diplomatic crisis, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has recently changed his tone, suggesting that his country has confidence in the French president to resolve the rift that has been looming between the two countries.
Tebboune made his remarks during an interview with journalists from public media on Saturday, noting that he considers Emmanuel Macron as the “only point of reference” to tackle the crisis.
“To avoid falling into the noise or the political chaos over there, I would just say three words: We keep President Macron as the only point of reference,” he said, describing the crisis between the two countries as a “moment of misunderstanding.”
For Tebboune, all problems should be resolved with Macron or the person he delegates, referencing the two countries’ foreign ministers.
Tebboune’s remarks appeared to be directed at French officials who have been calling on the French government to take a firm stance against Algeria’s regime, which has been reluctant to receive back its deported nationals from France.
France submitted a list of Algerians who have been subject to deportation, including a suspect involved in the recent Mulhouse stabbing, but Algeria refused the requests, stirring backlash and frustration from several French ministers, including Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau and Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin.
Retailleau has even been threatening to leave the government if Algeria refuses to cooperate, saying that his government needs to “change gears” with Algeria.
For his part, Darmanin called on his government to recall France’s ambassador in protest of Algeria’s reluctance, and also for his country to put an end to diplomatic passports which allow some Algerians to arrive in France for medical treatment or shopping without a visa.
Beyond the deportation dossier, France also took issue with Algeria’s decision to detain renowned writer Boualem Sansal. Police arrested the author in mid-November on charges of undermining national security.
In a strong address, Macron accused Algeria in January of preventing the writer, who is suffering from cancer, from receiving medical treatment,
“Algeria dishonors itself by preventing a gravely ill man from receiving proper care,” Macron said.
Anger over France’s newfound position on the Sahara
Algeria’s latest diplomatic blunders are all a part of increasing tension between the two countries ever since Paris’ newfound position on the Western Sahara.
France recognized Morocco’s territorial integrity and sovereignty over its southern provinces in Western Sahara in July last year. The decision followed Macron’s historic visit to Morocco, and since then French officials have visited the North African country, specifically making trips to its southern provinces.
These official trips are the first of their kind, solidifying France’s unwavering support for Morocco’s territorial integrity.
These moves, along with statements released on official French channels have been points of contention for Tebboune’s government, despite the fact that the Algerian president said that the friendship between Paris and Rabat “does not bother us at all.”
The claims come as Algeria’s regime continues to make maneuvers in protest of France’s decision over the Sahara. Algeria’s regime hosts, finances, arms, and supports the Polisario Front and their independence claims in Western Sahara.
