France, Algeria resume dialogue, but rocky path ahead

6/4/2025 13:38

France and Algeria resume diplomatic dialogue on Sunday after months of bickering that have hurt Paris' economic interests in its former colony, seen mutual accusations of humiliation and stalled vital security cooperation.



Ties between Paris and Algiers have been complicated for decades, but took a turn for the worse last July when Macron angered Algeria by recognising a plan for autonomy for the Western Sahara region under Moroccan sovereignty.



French officials say Algiers is adopting a policy that aims to wipe France's economic presence from the country, with trade falling by as much as 30% since the summer.



According to French officials, a poor relationship has major security, economic and social repercussions: trade is extensive and some 10% of France's 68 million population has links to Algeria.