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The Algerian government, through its official media channels, has denied reports that it suspended trade with France following Paris's recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara. The Algérie Presse Service (APS) attributed these «false allegations», as described by the Prime Minister, to «the former French ambassador to Algeria, whose hostility toward Algeria is well known».
«The Prime Minister’s media department categorically denies this completely unfounded information», APS stated. Reports from international and Algerian media had previously claimed that Algeria’s Central Bank had instructed banks engaged in foreign trade to stop processing transactions with France as of November 5, effectively pausing all planned operations.
The denial also follows a Le Figaro report suggesting a verbal directive favoring sanctions during a November 4 meeting of the Professional Association of Banks and Financial Establishments (ABEF). While ABEF lacks the authority to impose such measures, the report echoes the frustration Algerian diplomats expressed last summer after France recognized Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara. Back then, Algeria’s Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf publicly mentioned the possibility of economic sanctions.
In a similar move, Algeria recently excluded French companies from a wheat import tender, instructing bidders not to engage with French suppliers.
This situation recalls Algeria’s actions in 2022 against Spain, following Madrid’s endorsement of Morocco’s autonomy plan for the Sahara. However, Algiers eventually lifted those restrictions, reportedly to avoid potential European sanctions.
