Algeria Issues Strong Warning to France Over Alleged Hostile Schemes

Monday 1 Dec 2024 |1 month ago
Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune (left) and French President Emmanuel Macron (agencies)

Barran Press

On December 15, 2024, Algerian media reported that the country’s authorities summoned French Ambassador Stéphane Romatet to issue a “strong warning” concerning what they described as “hostile schemes” orchestrated by the French intelligence services.

According to credible diplomatic sources cited by the state-run newspaper El Moudjahid, the ambassador was called to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Algiers last week. The summons was characterized as a serious warning following revelations of alleged involvement by French intelligence in efforts to recruit former terrorists in Algeria for destabilization purposes.

Among those implicated is a 35-year-old Algerian named Aissawi Mohamed Amin, who recently appeared on Algeria International TV, allegedly confessing to a “conspiracy orchestrated by French intelligence.” However, further details about other individuals were not disclosed.

The warning issued to Ambassador Romatet expressed the “strong condemnation” of Algeria’s highest authorities regarding repeated provocations and hostile actions directed at the country by France. The statement emphasized that such actions would not go unanswered.

The newspaper L'Observateur d'Algérie reported that Algeria made it clear this pertains to practices by the French Directorate of External Security, a branch of its intelligence services. Algerian authorities cautioned the French ambassador that they would not remain “idle” in the face of what they see as ongoing assaults on their sovereignty.

In light of the serious nature of the allegations, El Khabar reported that the ambassador was informed of Algeria's frustration with the dual approach of French authorities and that Algeria is poised to take necessary measures to counter these interventions.

Relations between France and Algeria have been tense for months, exacerbated by France’s support for Morocco's autonomy plan for Western Sahara, a territory claimed by Algeria. The situation has further deteriorated with the detention of French-Algerian author Boualem Sansal, which has sparked a media campaign in France calling for his release.

President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has yet to visit France since taking office, with a planned trip in May 2023 postponed multiple times due to ongoing disagreements between the two nations.

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