Algeria-France security cooperation at lowest: France's DGSI chief
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Tensions between France and Algeria persist as inconsistencies within French institutions regarding the stance toward Algeria disrupt relations.
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The Algerian and French flags fly, undated (AFP)
Security cooperation between France and Algeria is witnessing an unprecedented decline, prompting Céline Berthon, the head of France's General Directorate for Internal Security, to describe the security relationship between both nations as "at its lowest level".
In an interview with Franceinfo, Berthon said the current situation was "unbearable", without providing additional details.
The diplomatic crisis between both nations began escalating in July 2024, but the downturn has now reached its peak.
Although a potential calm was expected, tensions persist, particularly after Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune said cooperating with the French DGSI was becoming increasingly difficult, especially because it is under French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau's authority, who has taken a hostile stance against Algeria.
Tebboune, however, also pointed out that "cooperation with the French Directorate-General for External Security, which operates under the authority of the Ministry of Defense, is still ongoing under better conditions," reflecting divisions within French institutions regarding their approach to Algeria.
The political tensions between the two countries have directly impacted security coordination, especially as the French interior minister continues to aggravate his stance against Algeria. He has hinted at stricter measures, including a review of the 1968 Agreement regulating Algerians’ residency in France, as well as additional visa and migration restrictions.
In new remarks, Retailleau suggested the possibility of measures targeting new categories of Algerians, including those visiting France for tourism, education, or medical treatment. This signals a broader push to exert political and economic pressure on Algeria, rather than just security-related measures.
Amid declining security coordination, French security agencies remain concerned about its impact on counterterrorism and organized crime efforts, particularly given Algeria’s key role in maintaining stability in the Sahel region.
Macron deescalates France-Algeria tensions amid deportation row
French President Emmanuel Macron issued a warning to his minister last week after they attempted to escalate the diplomatic rift between France and Algeria.
Marcon said that France needs to "engage in a rigorous and respectful dialogue,” in an interview with Le Figaro, following Prime Minister François Bayrou's threats to withdraw from the 1968 agreement that simplifies the immigration process for Algerians to France.
Withdrawing from an international agreement is a decision for the president to make, Macron emphasized, noting that he is "totally in favor of renegotiating it, not leaving it," in response to the Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau's threats of scrapping the 1968 agreement.
The diplomatic row between the two countries started after France attempted to deport several Algerian immigrants, whom Algeria refused entry, sending them back to Paris, in addition to the French President's remarks saying that the Western Sahara region belongs to Morocco.
Read more: Journalist resigns after describing French crimes in Algeria as 'Nazi'
