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In his regular media briefing with Algerian outlets, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune addressed Algeria’s diplomatic crisis with France and its ties to the Western Sahara issue. Despite the sharp deterioration in relations following French President Emmanuel Macron’s recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara—prompting Algeria to recall its ambassador from Paris—Tebboune downplayed the dispute, calling it «entirely orchestrated».
Contradicting Algeria’s Foreign Ministry, which previously denounced visits by French officials to Saharan cities as «provocative», Tebboune took a different stance. He stated that these visits are «not a provocation» but rather «disturb international legitimacy and the United Nations». He further noted that «France is a permanent member of the Security Council, and the issue remains in the hands of the United Nations. That’s all».
??????Le président Tebboune : "Nous, nous savons. Nous ne sommes pas dupes, et les Français savent que nous savons." #Algérie #France #Maroc #Sahara_Occidental pic.twitter.com/mE1OSrIF1Q
— LeLien (@LeLienofficiel) March 23, 2025
On February 18, Algeria’s Foreign Ministry condemned the French Minister of Culture’s visit to the Sahara as «extremely serious», calling it «provocative«and an example of «collusion between old and new colonial powers». Days later, on February 26, Algeria’s National Council (the upper house of parliament) announced the «immediate suspension» of its relations with the French Senate after its president, Gérard Larcher, visited Laayoune.
A Shift Toward De-escalation
Tebboune appeared to take a more conciliatory approach, stating, «There is a lot of political noise over a completely fabricated dispute. We consider President Macron to be our main interlocutor, and we work together». He acknowledged a misunderstanding but emphasized that, in his view, diplomatic matters should be resolved directly with Macron or his foreign minister.
He also expressed confidence in his foreign minister, Ahmed Attaf, describing him as a «very competent person» and reaffirming that Algeria and France remain «two independent powers—one African, one European—led by two presidents working together».
Tebboune’s remarks suggest an effort to ease tensions, particularly after reports that French officials were considering retaliatory measures against Algeria over its stance on various issues.
Parallels with Spain
The situation with France bears similarities to Algeria’s previous dispute with Spain. After Madrid endorsed Morocco’s autonomy plan for the Sahara, Algeria severed diplomatic ties and conditioned their restoration on Spain reversing its stance. However, despite Spain maintaining its position, Algeria eventually reinstated its ambassador to Madrid.
During his latest media briefing, Tebboune expressed satisfaction with the normalization of Algerian-Spanish relations, particularly in trade. He noted that after a «period of coolness», ties had resumed, including plans for Algeria to import livestock from Spain ahead of Eid al-Adha.
