France-Algeria Relations: After a Prolonged Crisis, Is the ‘Curtain’ Truly Rising?

Algiers, Algeria – April 8, 2025 – French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot visited Algiers on April 6 to signal a thaw in France-Algeria relations after months of tension, raising hopes for renewed cooperation. The visit, marked by high-level talks and symbolic gestures, aims to mend ties, but lingering issues cast doubt on the durability of this détente. Here’s the full story, optimized for SEO and search engine visibility.

A Diplomatic Push to Restart Dialogue

On Sunday, April 6, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot arrived in Algiers to kickstart a new chapter in France-Algeria relations, strained since 2022 over issues like the Western Sahara dispute and migration policies. Barrot held a 1-hour-45-minute meeting with his Algerian counterpart, Ahmed Attaf, followed by a 2.5-hour discussion with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. Speaking at the El Mouradia Palace, Barrot declared, “We are returning to normal, and in President Tebboune’s words, ‘the curtain is rising.’” The visit has sparked interest, driving searches for “France Algeria relations 2025” and “Barrot Algiers visit.”

The talks focused on reactivating cooperation mechanisms across all sectors, with Barrot emphasizing a “serious, discreet, and effective” approach. Immediate steps include resuming intelligence-sharing contacts, organizing a security officials’ meeting, and launching a strategic dialogue on the Sahel, a region plagued by instability. The announcement signals a potential turning point after a deep bilateral crisis.

Judicial and Migration Cooperation on the Horizon

Barrot confirmed that French Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin will soon visit Algiers to revive judicial dialogue, focusing on sensitive issues like illicitly acquired assets. On migration—a longstanding point of friction—Presidents Macron and Tebboune agreed to resume cooperation immediately. This follows tensions over France’s “Obligation to Leave French Territory” (OQTF) notices, which Algeria had resisted enforcing. A meeting between French prefects and Algerian consuls is planned to address readmissions and visas on a case-by-case basis, a move that could ease diplomatic strains. Searches for “France Algeria migration talks” and “judicial cooperation 2025” reflect growing attention to these developments.

Economic ties, which suffered in sectors like agrofood, automotive, and maritime transport, were also a key focus. Barrot noted Tebboune’s commitment to “give new momentum,” announcing a May 19, 2025, meeting between France’s Medef business federation and Algeria’s CREA, as well as a session of the Franco-Algerian Joint Economic Committee (Comefa) before summer.

Memory, Diplomacy, and Lingering Tensions

On the sensitive issue of historical memory, the joint commission of historians has resumed work, with French historian Benjamin Stora invited to Algiers to advance cultural restitution efforts. Diplomatically, Barrot advocated for the return of an Algerian ambassador to Paris—recalled in July 2024 over France’s stance on Western Sahara—and confirmed a meeting of foreign ministry secretaries-general in August 2025. He also raised the case of Franco-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal, sentenced to five years in prison, urging a “humanitarian gesture” given Sansal’s age and health.

The Western Sahara issue, a major driver of the recent crisis, was discussed at length. Algeria plans a strong statement at a UN meeting on April 14, 2025, under France’s Security Council presidency, signaling that the issue remains a sticking point. Barrot’s visit concluded with a symbolic stop at the Notre-Dame d’Afrique Basilica, where the inscription “Notre-Dame d’Afrique, pray for us and for the Muslims” was seen as a gesture of reconciliation.

Mixed Signals and Uncertain Progress

Despite these steps, observers note contradictory signals. Algeria’s push to replace French with English in medical education suggests lingering cultural tensions, raising doubts about the sustainability of this rapprochement. On X, reactions are mixed, with hashtags like #FranceAlgeriaThaw and #WesternSaharaDispute trending as users debate the prospects for lasting cooperation. The visit’s outcomes could reshape bilateral ties, but deep-seated issues like historical grievances and regional disputes may hinder progress. SEO-friendly keywords like “France Algeria reconciliation,” “Barrot Tebboune meeting,” and “Western Sahara tensions 2025” ensure this story ranks high, capturing readers seeking updates on this diplomatic effort.

Conclusion: A Fragile Step Forward

Jean-Noël Barrot’s visit to Algiers marks a cautious step toward mending France-Algeria relations, with agreements on cooperation in security, migration, and economic sectors. Yet, unresolved issues like Western Sahara and cultural divides suggest the “curtain” may not fully rise without sustained effort. As both nations navigate this delicate détente, the world watches to see if this thaw can endure. Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds.