Clear signs have begun to emerge in recent weeks indicating a gradual thaw in the political and diplomatic crisis between Algeria and France, following more than a year of acute tensions triggered by Paris’ official recognition of Morocco’s autonomy plan as the sole basis for resolving the Sahara dispute.
Relations between the two countries experienced one of their most difficult phases since the summer of 2024, after Algeria reacted forcefully to France’s endorsement of the autonomy initiative, describing it as an “unacceptable shift” and exerting various pressures to push Paris to reverse its stance, including refusing cooperation on migration issues.
These pressures, however, backfired on Algeria when the escalation reached unprecedented levels. What had been French “diplomatic patience” turned into a counter-reaction, as French officials adopted unusually strong rhetoric against Algiers and threatened to dissolve several bilateral agreements should the “Algerian obstinacy” continue.
Recent developments, however, suggest that Paris has begun taking steps to reopen communication channels, particularly after Algeria released writer Boualem Sansal through German mediation following months of detention. French media confirmed that Sansal reached France from Germany shortly after his release.
Notably, the tone of French officials shifted to a more conciliatory approach after Sansal’s release. This comes after they had previously signaled intentions to reassess several bilateral agreements, including the migration accord signed after Algeria’s independence. In recent days, French figures have spoken of Paris’ willingness to conduct official visits to Algeria to restore dialogue.
Observers of the France–Algeria crisis noted a remarkable development on the Algerian side: pro-government Algerian media outlets responded positively to the latest statements from French officials, characterizing them as encouraging signals. This suggests a readiness within Algeria to normalize relations, especially since Algiers itself welcomed the prospect of French officials visiting soon.
What makes this shift particularly striking is that Paris has made no change to its Sahara policy. France remains firmly committed to the Moroccan autonomy initiative, describing it as the only realistic and viable political solution to the dispute—an unchanged position that was at the core of the crisis.
Analysts argue that this dynamic strongly resembles the scenario that unfolded between Madrid and Algiers, when Spain faced a severe diplomatic and economic rupture with Algeria after the government of Pedro Sánchez endorsed Morocco’s autonomy plan. Yet, relations fully normalized roughly two years later without Spain walking back its stance.
Others believe that these foreign-policy adjustments reflect Algeria’s growing realization that its recent approach to the Sahara issue amounted to “fighting windmills,” at a time when the international community is clearly converging around the Moroccan autonomy solution. Consequently, Algeria now appears compelled to recalibrate its strategy before it is too late.
