Nearly forty prominent French, Algerian, and Franco-Algerian figures have issued a public appeal urging Presidents Emmanuel Macron and Abdelmadjid Tebboune to restore peaceful dialogue and rebuild cooperative ties between their countries.
The open letter, published on Mediapart, stresses the urgent need to prevent escalating tensions and to establish a framework of lasting trust.
The signatories underline that both leaders have the means to resolve the current impasse.
“It is essential to move beyond ad hoc calculations or symbolic positions and rediscover a spirit of compromise similar to that which has helped resolve major political conflicts in the past,” the letter states.
They also point to the watchful eyes of public opinion, noting that civil society expects concrete measures to avert further diplomatic strain.
Recent incidents, however, have aggravated the relationship.
Le Point magazine republished archival images of Kabylia from the colonial era, reigniting historical sensitivities. Meanwhile, remarks by former French minister Noëlle Lenoir, accusing “millions of Algerians” of violent behaviour on the metro, sparked outrage and were widely condemned as racist.
On the Algerian side, press reports have accused the French cultural centre of being a “nest of spies,” with calls for its closure gaining traction.
Diplomatic disputes over the handling of official pouches have also remained unresolved, as proposals from Paris have not been accepted by Algiers. Collectively, these events have deepened mistrust and tension between the two nations.
The Mediapart letter represents a significant push from civil society and cultural actors seeking to bridge the diplomatic divide.
It emphasizes that political decisions are being closely scrutinized and underscores the strategic importance of Franco-Algerian relations in the wider North African and Mediterranean context.
By advocating dialogue and compromise, the appeal aims to steer both nations away from confrontational postures and toward a renewed partnership built on mutual respect and constructive engagement.
“Every political decision continues to be scrutinized, reminding us that relations between France and Algeria remain a strategic issue in the region,” the letter concludes, reflecting the high stakes for both societies.
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