Laurent Nunez arrives in Algiers on Monday for a two-day visit aimed at restoring strained relations between Paris and Algiers, marking another diplomatic effort to stabilise a partnership tested by disputes over migration, security cooperation and political rhetoric.
The French Interior Minister’s trip comes amid cautious moves on both sides to ease tensions that intensified over visa restrictions, the return of undocumented migrants and differing positions on regional security. Officials in Paris describe the visit as part of a broader push to rebuild operational cooperation, particularly on migration management and counter-terrorism intelligence sharing.
Relations between France and Algeria have long been shaped by the legacy of the 1954–1962 war of independence and complex political sensitivities. Over the past two years, disagreements over the pace of repatriations of Algerian nationals facing deportation from France and comments by senior French figures about Algeria’s political system contributed to diplomatic strain. Algiers has repeatedly insisted on respect for sovereignty, while Paris has sought firmer mechanisms for returns and closer coordination on border controls.
Nunez is expected to meet Algeria’s Interior Minister Brahim Merad and senior security officials. French authorities say discussions will centre on practical cooperation, including the identification and documentation of Algerian nationals subject to expulsion orders in France. The issue has become politically charged in Paris, where immigration remains high on the domestic agenda and the government faces pressure from both right-wing opposition parties and segments of the public demanding stricter enforcement.
France previously reduced the number of visas granted to citizens of Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia, arguing that those governments were not doing enough to take back nationals ordered to leave French territory. That policy was later eased following negotiations, but the episode underscored how migration has become intertwined with diplomatic ties. Analysts note that visa policy remains a powerful lever in relations between France and North African states, given the scale of family, educational and business links across the Mediterranean.
Security cooperation is another pillar of the visit. France has long viewed Algeria as a key partner in counter-terrorism efforts in the Sahel and North Africa, given Algeria’s experience in combating extremist groups during its civil conflict in the 1990s and its geographic proximity to Mali and Niger. With France having drawn down its military presence in parts of the Sahel, intelligence sharing and border monitoring have taken on added importance.
Economic and energy considerations also form part of the backdrop. Algeria is a significant supplier of natural gas to Europe, and its role grew after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine disrupted traditional supply routes. Although Nunez’s portfolio is focused on interior affairs, officials acknowledge that broader political stability between Paris and Algiers supports commercial and energy ties. French companies maintain substantial investments in Algeria, while a large Franco-Algerian community in France creates dense social and economic connections.
President Emmanuel Macron has sought to recalibrate France’s relationship with Algeria, emphasising historical reconciliation and forward-looking cooperation. During earlier visits to Algiers, he acknowledged the need to address painful aspects of colonial history while avoiding what French officials describe as “repentance diplomacy”. On the Algerian side, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has balanced calls for recognition of historical grievances with pragmatic engagement on trade and security.
Diplomatic observers caution that symbolic gestures alone will not resolve underlying friction. The mechanics of migrant returns remain legally and administratively complex. French authorities require timely consular cooperation to verify identities and issue travel documents, while Algerian officials have expressed concern about the conditions and scale of deportations. Any durable improvement is likely to depend on sustained technical dialogue rather than high-level visits alone.
Domestic politics in both countries add another layer. Immigration debates in France are closely linked to broader questions about integration, secularism and national identity. In Algeria, leaders are attentive to public opinion regarding sovereignty and historical memory. Moves perceived as concessions can carry political costs. That dynamic has at times slowed progress even when officials privately acknowledge shared interests.
Despite these constraints, both governments have signalled a willingness to prevent disputes from escalating. Diplomatic contacts intensified after earlier periods of cooling, and working-level discussions between interior ministries have resumed. European partners are also watching developments closely, given that cooperation with North African states is central to the European Union’s broader migration strategy.
Nunez’s itinerary is expected to include technical sessions between security officials and possible announcements on streamlined procedures for identification and data exchange. French officials stress that respect for Algerian law and international obligations will underpin any agreements. Algerian authorities, for their part, have emphasised that cooperation must be based on equality and mutual benefit.
The French Interior Minister’s trip comes amid cautious moves on both sides to ease tensions that intensified over visa restrictions, the return of undocumented migrants and differing positions on regional security. Officials in Paris describe the visit as part of a broader push to rebuild operational cooperation, particularly on migration management and counter-terrorism intelligence sharing.
Relations between France and Algeria have long been shaped by the legacy of the 1954–1962 war of independence and complex political sensitivities. Over the past two years, disagreements over the pace of repatriations of Algerian nationals facing deportation from France and comments by senior French figures about Algeria’s political system contributed to diplomatic strain. Algiers has repeatedly insisted on respect for sovereignty, while Paris has sought firmer mechanisms for returns and closer coordination on border controls.
Nunez is expected to meet Algeria’s Interior Minister Brahim Merad and senior security officials. French authorities say discussions will centre on practical cooperation, including the identification and documentation of Algerian nationals subject to expulsion orders in France. The issue has become politically charged in Paris, where immigration remains high on the domestic agenda and the government faces pressure from both right-wing opposition parties and segments of the public demanding stricter enforcement.
France previously reduced the number of visas granted to citizens of Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia, arguing that those governments were not doing enough to take back nationals ordered to leave French territory. That policy was later eased following negotiations, but the episode underscored how migration has become intertwined with diplomatic ties. Analysts note that visa policy remains a powerful lever in relations between France and North African states, given the scale of family, educational and business links across the Mediterranean.
Security cooperation is another pillar of the visit. France has long viewed Algeria as a key partner in counter-terrorism efforts in the Sahel and North Africa, given Algeria’s experience in combating extremist groups during its civil conflict in the 1990s and its geographic proximity to Mali and Niger. With France having drawn down its military presence in parts of the Sahel, intelligence sharing and border monitoring have taken on added importance.
Economic and energy considerations also form part of the backdrop. Algeria is a significant supplier of natural gas to Europe, and its role grew after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine disrupted traditional supply routes. Although Nunez’s portfolio is focused on interior affairs, officials acknowledge that broader political stability between Paris and Algiers supports commercial and energy ties. French companies maintain substantial investments in Algeria, while a large Franco-Algerian community in France creates dense social and economic connections.
President Emmanuel Macron has sought to recalibrate France’s relationship with Algeria, emphasising historical reconciliation and forward-looking cooperation. During earlier visits to Algiers, he acknowledged the need to address painful aspects of colonial history while avoiding what French officials describe as “repentance diplomacy”. On the Algerian side, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has balanced calls for recognition of historical grievances with pragmatic engagement on trade and security.
Diplomatic observers caution that symbolic gestures alone will not resolve underlying friction. The mechanics of migrant returns remain legally and administratively complex. French authorities require timely consular cooperation to verify identities and issue travel documents, while Algerian officials have expressed concern about the conditions and scale of deportations. Any durable improvement is likely to depend on sustained technical dialogue rather than high-level visits alone.
Domestic politics in both countries add another layer. Immigration debates in France are closely linked to broader questions about integration, secularism and national identity. In Algeria, leaders are attentive to public opinion regarding sovereignty and historical memory. Moves perceived as concessions can carry political costs. That dynamic has at times slowed progress even when officials privately acknowledge shared interests.
Despite these constraints, both governments have signalled a willingness to prevent disputes from escalating. Diplomatic contacts intensified after earlier periods of cooling, and working-level discussions between interior ministries have resumed. European partners are also watching developments closely, given that cooperation with North African states is central to the European Union’s broader migration strategy.
Nunez’s itinerary is expected to include technical sessions between security officials and possible announcements on streamlined procedures for identification and data exchange. French officials stress that respect for Algerian law and international obligations will underpin any agreements. Algerian authorities, for their part, have emphasised that cooperation must be based on equality and mutual benefit.
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