France and Algeria have agreed to resume high‑level security cooperation, marking a significant step toward easing tensions between the two countries. The announcement came during French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez’s visit to Algiers on Tuesday, where he met with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune.
After the meeting, Nunez confirmed that both sides had agreed to “reactivate a high‑level security cooperation mechanism.”
A visit shaped by strained relations
The trip took place against the backdrop of strained diplomatic ties, which deteriorated sharply after France formally backed Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara in 2024 a move that angered Algeria, which supports the pro‑independence Polisario Front.
Nunez said Monday’s sessions focused on restoring normal security relations, including cooperation in:
judicial matters
policing
intelligence sharing
He also thanked President Tebboune for directing Algerian authorities to work with France on improving cooperation over readmissions. Algeria has for months refused to take back its nationals living irregularly in France.
Nunez said the renewed cooperation should take effect “as quickly as possible” and continue “at a very high level.”
Senior security officials involved
Images released by Algerian authorities showed senior security officials from both countries participating in the talks, including:
France’s domestic intelligence chief
Algeria’s head of internal security
Nunez’s visit, invited by his counterpart Said Sayoud, had been planned for months but repeatedly postponed.
Key issues on the table
Before traveling, Nunez said he intended to raise all major security concerns, including:
drug trafficking
counterterrorism
Algeria plays a crucial role in regional counterterrorism efforts, sharing borders with Niger and Mali, both currently under military juntas and facing persistent extremist violence.
Case of jailed French journalist
Ahead of the trip, Nunez also mentioned the case of Christophe Gleizes, a French sports journalist serving a seven‑year sentence in Algeria for “glorifying terrorism.”
It remains unclear whether the issue was discussed with President Tebboune, though the journalist’s family has requested a presidential pardon.
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