The change suggests not just tactical adjustments but a broader rethink of how military-run Algiers wants to position itself. When Paris decided to back Morocco’s sovereignty over Sahara, Algeria responded immediately: it recalled its ambassador, froze aspects of security cooperation, arrested a French novelist and a French journalist and hardened its rhetoric. French Interior minister was received in Algiers, and sensitive files, including security, migration and returns of unwanted migrants are back on the table. After Madrid backed Morocco’s autonomy plan for the Sahara, Algeria recalled its ambassador, froze the friendship treaty and announced economic pressure. Disagreements over armed groups in northern Mali and the implementation of the Algiers Accords have led Bamako to question Algeria’s mediation.

Source: The North Africa Journal February 27, 2026 05:13 UTC