ALGERIAN President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has postponed his planned visit to France once again, while accusing the former colonial power of committing ‘genocide’ during its rule in Algeria. This development signals escalating tensions between Algiers and Paris.
Speaking in a televised interview, Tebboune dismissed any plans for an official visit to France in the near future. ‘I will not go to Canossa,’ he declared, referencing a historic incident symbolising submission and humility. The remark emphasised Algeria’s reluctance to engage with France under the current circumstances, with the trip—originally scheduled for late September or early October—now off the table.
Deteriorating diplomatic relations
Relations between the two countries took a sharp downturn in July when French President Emmanuel Macron expressed support for Morocco’s autonomy plan in the disputed Western Sahara territory, a stance that alienated Algeria. In response, Algeria withdrew its ambassador to Paris, seeing this as a departure from France’s previous stance.
Despite previous efforts to improve bilateral relations, including the 2022 ‘Declaration of Algiers,’ Tebboune’s recent remarks indicate a significant rift. During Saturday’s interview, Tebboune reiterated Algeria’s demand for France to acknowledge its colonial atrocities, accusing the French of committing genocide that reduced Algeria’s population growth drastically during the colonial period.
Historic agreements under scrutiny
Tebboune also tackled issues surrounding a 1968 Franco-Algerian agreement that facilitates immigration for Algerian nationals to France. The agreement, originally signed to support France’s workforce needs, is currently facing criticism from right-wing political parties in France. Tebboune condemned the right-wing push against the agreement, calling it ‘a banner behind which an army of right-wing extremists are marching.’
The far-right National Rally (RN), which has historical ties to former French settlers in Algeria, has gained considerable influence in French politics, contributing to a rightward shift in France’s government policies.
Nuclear testing legacy
In addition to colonial grievances, Tebboune addressed the impact of France’s 17 nuclear tests conducted in the Algerian Sahara between 1960 and 1966. The declassified documents from 2013 reveal significant radioactive fallout from the tests, which Tebboune claimed still affect lives in southern Algeria. He called on France to ‘clean up the nuclear test sites’ if it truly seeks friendship with Algeria.
Brics and foreign policy
Tebboune also spoke about Algeria’s position concerning the BRICS group—an economic alliance of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. He indicated that while Algeria currently has no plans to join BRICS as a member state, it is keen to participate in the BRICS Bank, seeing it as an important financial institution alongside the World Bank.
The escalating diplomatic row highlights the complex legacy of colonialism, immigration policy, and historical injustices that continue to shape relations between Algeria and France.
