Dozens of Algerians, French citizens, and Franco-Algerians have issued an open letter calling on Presidents Emmanuel Macron and Abdelmajid Tebboune to urgently resolve the growing diplomatic crisis between France and Algeria. The appeal, published in Mediapart on August 16, highlights mounting concern over the breakdown in dialogue between the two countries.
Relations soured in mid-2024 after France recognized an autonomy plan for Western Sahara “under Moroccan sovereignty,” a move that angered Algiers. Since then, both sides have expelled diplomats and halted official cooperation.
Civil society voices warn that the ongoing standoff is taking a heavy toll, stressing that cultural, economic, and personal ties between the two nations are at risk. They urged both leaders to put dialogue above division.
The rift deepened further when Macron suspended a 2013 travel agreement for diplomatic passport holders. Algeria responded by denouncing the deal outright, underscoring the urgent need for reconciliation.
