Algeria and France Move to Revive Security Ties After Months of Diplomatic Strain

By: Adamu Aliyu Ngulde

Algeria and France have agreed to restart high-level security cooperation following a visit to Algiers by French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez, signaling a potential easing of tensions between the two countries after months of strained relations.

The breakthrough came after Mr. Nuñez met with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune in the Algerian capital, where both sides agreed to reactivate a bilateral security coordination mechanism that had been dormant amid diplomatic disagreements.

Officials described the talks as constructive and forward-looking, emphasizing shared security interests despite recent political differences.

Relations between Paris and Algiers deteriorated in 2024 after France formally endorsed Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara, a position strongly opposed by Algeria, which backs the territory’s right to self-determination.

The move deepened long-standing sensitivities rooted in colonial history and regional rivalries in North Africa.

Under the renewed framework, the two governments are expected to expand cooperation in judicial matters, policing, intelligence sharing and the management of irregular migration issues that have increasingly shaped Europe–North Africa relations. Security officials from both countries, including senior intelligence and counterterrorism chiefs, participated in the meetings.

Analysts say the revival of security ties reflects pragmatic calculations on both sides. Algeria remains a key partner for France in counterterrorism efforts across the Sahel region, while migration pressures and transnational crime have underscored the need for sustained collaboration.

Whether the security thaw will translate into broader political reconciliation, however, remains uncertain.