KEY POINTS
- French President Macron demanded that Algeria free detained author Boualem Sansal.
- France is reviewing its immigration agreements due to Algeria’s refusal to deport.
- Rising tensions between the two nations might compel them to introduce new policy measures.
French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed deep concern over the detention of Franco-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal, who has been held in Algeria since November.
Speaking in Porto, Portugal, on Friday, Macron emphasized that the writer’s arrest and declining health were obstacles to rebuilding trust between France and Algeria.
“Boualem Sansal’s arbitrary detention, along with concerns about his health, are issues that must be resolved before full confidence between our two nations can be restored,” Macron told reporters.
French officials and fellow writers have been vocal about their calls for Sansal’s release, urging the Algerian government to provide transparency about the reasons for his imprisonment.
The case comes amid rising tensions between the two countries, with the French government now considering a review of long-standing immigration agreements.
According to Reuters, Macron stated that the agreements must be reassessed in light of Algeria’s repeated refusal to accept the return of its nationals deported from France.
Strained diplomatic ties and immigration debate
Relations between France and Algeria have become increasingly tense in recent months, particularly after France recognized Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara—an issue Algeria strongly opposes.
The disagreement has further complicated diplomatic efforts between the two nations.
However, a deadly knife attack in Mulhouse last Saturday multiplied pressure on immigration policies.
The attacker, an Algerian citizen whom France had unsuccessfully attempted to deport for years, killed one person and injured three others.
The incident has triggered criticism against the 1968 immigration agreement that provides Algerians with simpler access to live and work in France.
French Prime Minister François Bayrou announced on Wednesday that France would review this agreement unless Algeria begins accepting deported nationals.
“If we do not see progress within six weeks, we reserve the right to reconsider these agreements,” Bayrou said. A list of Algerians awaiting repatriation will soon be presented to Algerian authorities.
Macron pushes for diplomatic resolution
Macron maintained that France would not end the 1968 immigration pacts alone while insisting reforms must be implemented.
He confirmed that discussions had already taken place with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune on the matter.
“There should be no political game-playing. We seek mutual respect, and we will ensure we give the same,” Macron said. His government insists that any changes to the agreements should be negotiated rather than imposed.
The continued demand for Sansal’s release drives mounting pressure on Algerian officials to handle the writer’s detention and the growing diplomatic tensions between the two nations.
