In light of the unprecedented diplomatic tension in Algerian-French relations, the visit of French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez to Algeria on Monday has a special character, as it carries with it heavy and sensitive files that may shape the features of the next stage in relations between the two countries. From the issue of irregular migrants to the case of journalist Christophe Glez, through to security cooperation in the Sahel region, this visit appears to be an actual test of the will of both parties to break the stalemate and restore channels of dialogue.

Published on: 02/13/2026 - 11:19 Last updated: 02/13/2026 - 12:10

French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez will head to Algeria on Monday for a two-day visit, to discuss a number of common and sensitive files between the two countries, most notably the case of French sports journalist Christophe Glez, who was sentenced to seven years in prison, in addition to the file of returning irregular Algerian immigrants who were sentenced to leave French territory, as well as intelligence cooperation in combating terrorism.

This visit comes in light of the continuing diplomatic tension between the two countries, which has reached the point of each party recalling its ambassador to the other party, in addition to the almost complete severance of communications between them for more than a year.

The French Minister of the Interior will discuss thorny issues, most notably the deportation of Algerians residing illegally in France. This file has long complicated relations between the two capitals, when Bruno Rutayo was Minister of the Interior, as he deliberately used what was described in Algeria as the “language of force,” which did not lead to any solution.

In addition, Nunez will speak with his Algerian counterpart Said Saioud about the prison file of journalist Glez. He will request that Algeria release him so he can return to France, in addition to the security file, especially terrorism issues in the Sahel region, in which Algeria plays a pivotal role.

Rebalancing Algerian-French relations

The French news agency confirmed that Laurent Nunez had a lengthy phone call with his Algerian counterpart, Said Said, to prepare for this visit, which is seen as an initial indicator of a possible breakthrough in relations between the two shores of the Mediterranean.

A few days ago, Nunez confirmed that he had received an invitation from his Algerian counterpart and that he would respond to it, explaining on the BFM channel that work was underway to prepare the conditions for the visit, and indicating the resumption of security coordination between the two countries.

He also added that "France wants to restore balance in Algerian-French relations." According to Nunez, this balance passes through reducing the number of immigrants who come to France and settle there for family and social reasons (such as family integration, for example), and increasing the number of immigrants who come only for work. But this requires reviewing the 1968 agreement that regulates relations between the two countries.

Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune said during a press interview last weekend about a possible visit by the French Minister of the Interior, saying: “He is welcome.” He added: “With regard to the issue of irregular migrants detained in detention centers in France, Algeria is ready to receive them, but on the condition that they exhaust all the rights of appeal and recourse permitted by French law.”

At the beginning of this month, Nunez expressed his expectation of a gesture from Algeria regarding Paris’s demands regarding the return of its nationals who are in an illegal situation in France, as well as regarding the case of Christophe Glez, who was arrested in May 2024 while preparing a report on JS Kabylie Club, the most decorated football club in the country.

Tensions escalated between the two countries

Relations between the two countries have witnessed a noticeable deterioration since the summer of 2024, following France's recognition of Morocco's sovereignty over Western Sahara, a disputed region whose right to self-determination Algeria supports.

Read also: Algeria - France: A deepening crisis and an impossible dialogue?

Tensions have increased over the past two years, against the backdrop of the kidnapping of an Algerian influencer who opposes the regime, nicknamed “Amir DZ,” in April 2024, the filing of a judicial accusation against an Algerian consular employee in April 2025, and then the expulsion of twelve employees from the French embassy in Algeria a few days later.

Nunez is expected to discuss with his counterpart Said Said other pressing files, including extradition requests submitted by Algeria to France, most notably Farhat Mhanni, head of the MAC movement, which Algeria has classified as a “terrorist organization.”

For her part, Representative Sabrina Sabaihi (Environment Party) considered that there were “positive signals” from both sides, noting the transfer of Christophe Glez to a prison near Algiers, and the Algerian president’s announcement of his readiness to receive all his nationals. She believed that this stage may "witness a reduction in escalation."

Ségolène Royal's visit to Algeria paved the way

The last French Minister of the Interior to visit Algeria was Gerald Darmanin in late 2022. As for his successor, Bruno Rotayo, his positions contributed to increasing tension, especially regarding the case of writer Boualem Sansal, who was imprisoned for nearly a year due to positions he expressed regarding his country of origin.

In a parallel context, former Socialist Minister Ségolène Royal visited Algeria a few days ago, where she was received by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. Royal was able to visit Christophe Glez, who was sentenced to 7 years in prison for “praising terrorism.” While the Algerian authorities agreed to change the place of detention from Tizi Ouzou prison (100 kilometers north of the capital) to Kolea prison near the capital.

During the visit, Royal presented herself as a mediator, in a personal initiative in her capacity as President of the France-Algeria Association, calling for “rebuilding the friendship between France and Algeria.” Will Nunez's visit turn the page on the differences between Algeria and France?

France 24

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