Algeria Accuses France of Disinformation Campaign Amid Diplomatic Row Over Influencer’s Deportation
ALGIERS – Tensions between Algeria and France have escalated following Algeria’s refusal to accept the deportation of a social media influencer from France, sparking accusations of a disinformation campaign and diplomatic escalation. The Algerian Foreign Ministry on Saturday directly accused French officials, particularly those aligned with the extreme right-wing, of orchestrating a smear campaign against Algeria. This comes after French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau suggested Algeria was intentionally seeking to humiliate France by rejecting the influencer’s return. Algeria vehemently denies these claims, asserting it is not engaged in any form of escalation or humiliation.
The influencer, known online as "Doualemn," was deported from France on Thursday but immediately returned after Algerian authorities refused entry. Algeria’s Foreign Ministry explained that the decision was made to allow Doualemn to address accusations against him within the French legal system, particularly concerning allegations of hate speech directed at Algerian opposition members. The Ministry further emphasized that France failed to adhere to the 1974 consular agreement between the two nations by neglecting to notify Algerian officials of Doualemn’s arrest or the deportation order. This procedural breach has further fueled the diplomatic firestorm.
This latest incident underscores a growing rift between Algiers and Paris, with existing tensions over the Western Sahara conflict serving as a backdrop. Algeria has long supported the Polisario Front’s pursuit of self-determination in Western Sahara, while France has sided with Morocco’s autonomy proposal. This difference in stance has strained the Franco-Algerian relationship, adding another layer of complexity to the current dispute. The arrest of Franco-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal in Algiers on November 16th, upon his arrival from France, has further exacerbated the situation. Sansal, a former Algerian government official, has publicly stated that parts of northwestern Algeria historically belonged to Morocco, a claim that has sparked controversy and fueled tensions between the two countries.
The Algerian government has accused France of leveraging the influencer’s case to further its political agenda and undermine Algeria’s reputation. They argue that the accusations of humiliation are a diversionary tactic designed to deflect attention from France’s own shortcomings in adhering to diplomatic protocols and respecting Algeria’s sovereignty. Algeria maintains that its refusal to accept Doualemn’s deportation was a principled decision based on legal and procedural grounds, not a calculated attempt to provoke France.
The implications of this diplomatic row extend beyond the immediate case of the deported influencer. It highlights the fragile state of Franco-Algerian relations, burdened by historical baggage and diverging perspectives on regional geopolitical issues. The Western Sahara conflict continues to be a significant point of contention, with Algeria perceiving France’s support for Morocco as a betrayal of their long-standing relationship. The arrest of Sansal further complicates matters, adding a cultural and freedom of expression dimension to the escalating tensions.
As the diplomatic stand-off continues, both countries face the challenge of de-escalating the situation and finding common ground. The accusations and counter-accusations risk further damaging the already strained relationship, hindering cooperation on critical issues such as regional security and economic development. The way forward requires open communication, mutual respect, and a willingness to address the underlying concerns that fuel the ongoing tension. The international community will be watching closely to see how these two nations navigate this delicate diplomatic crisis and whether they can prevent it from spiraling into a deeper and more protracted conflict.
