Algeria’s Tebboune Signals De-Escalation with France, Hints at Resolving Boualem Sansal Case and OQTF Issues
Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has initiated a shift toward reconciliation with France amid ongoing tensions following the recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara. In a recent interview, he expressed a collaborative relationship with President Macron, potentially leading to writer Boualem Sansal's release and addressing expulsion orders for Algerian nationals.
hassan benyoub 
Algiers, March 24, 2025, 4:00 PM PDT – Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune extended an olive branch to France on Saturday, signaling a shift toward reconciliation amid the worst bilateral crisis since Algeria’s 1962 independence. In a televised interview with three state media heads, Tebboune emphasized dialogue with French President Emmanuel Macron, potentially paving the way for the release of writer Boualem Sansal and the repatriation of Algerian nationals under French expulsion orders (OQTF), as reported by TSA and shared on X by @AlgerieActualite.
Tebboune’s Message of Appeasement
During the interview, broadcast on Algerian state television, Tebboune described Macron as his “alter ego,” stating, “Emmanuel Macron is my alter ego; we’ve had moments of sirocco, moments of cold, but it’s with him that I work.” He added, “We keep President Macron as our sole reference point… There was a moment of misunderstanding, but he remains the French president, and all issues must be resolved with him or his delegate.” This marks a clear softening of tone, with Tebboune asserting the crisis is “now in good hands,” per Ennahar TV.
The interview, conducted in French by two francophone journalists, was a deliberate message to Paris, coming days after Sansal’s trial began on March 20, where prosecutors sought a 10-year sentence for “undermining territorial integrity,” per Le Monde. Macron, speaking in Brussels on Thursday, called the charges “not serious,” urging a resolution, per France24. Posts on X, like @FranceDiplo’s, noted Tebboune’s conciliatory tone, while @AlgeriePatriote dismissed it as “capitulation.”
Context of the Crisis
Tensions escalated after France recognized Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara in July 2024, prompting Algeria to recall its ambassador from Paris, per BBC News. The arrest of Sansal in November 2024 for comments on historical Morocco-Algeria borders further inflamed relations, as did Algeria’s refusal to repatriate nationals under OQTF, per Euronews. Tebboune, however, deflected blame, attributing the crisis to “France’s revanchist and hateful far-right,” a narrative echoed in state media like El Moudjahid, per lexpressiondz.com.
On Western Sahara, Tebboune downplayed Algeria’s opposition, claiming France’s recognition “disturbs the UN, not Algeria,” and framing France-Morocco ties as historical and non-threatening, stating, “France has always been on Morocco’s side in the Western Sahara issue… It doesn’t bother us,” per TSA. This 180-degree shift contrasts with his earlier stance, as noted in a 2025 Carnegie Endowment analysis on North African geopolitics.
Domestic Narrative and Denial
Tebboune painted an overly optimistic picture of Algeria, claiming, “Everything is going for the best in the best of all possible countries,” despite economic struggles, with inflation at 9.5% and youth unemployment at 30%, per a 2025 World Bank report. His denial of domestic issues, coupled with blaming external forces for the crisis, aligns with Algeria’s state narrative, per The Africa Report.
Expected Outcomes
- Boualem Sansal’s Release: Analysts predict Tebboune may pardon Sansal before summer, responding to French pressure, per Le Figaro. Macron’s comments and Tebboune’s tone suggest a resolution is imminent, as noted on X by @ReportersSansFron.
- Repatriation of OQTF Nationals: Algeria may begin accepting its citizens under French expulsion orders, addressing a key French demand after incidents like the Mulhouse attack, per France24.
- Ambassador’s Return: Tebboune, under military pressure to de-escalate, is expected to send Algeria’s ambassador back to Paris, signaling an end to the diplomatic freeze, per Jeune Afrique.
Implications
Tebboune’s shift reflects France’s firm stance, including visa restrictions and threats to review the 1968 migration pact, per Euronews. However, his domestic audience may view this as a concession, risking backlash, as noted on X by @DzCritic. The move could stabilize relations but highlights Algeria’s diplomatic vulnerabilities, per a 2025 Carnegie Endowment report.
As of 4:00 PM PDT, France has not officially responded, but the interview marks a pivotal moment in Franco-Algerian relations, potentially averting further escalation.
