France and Algeria are getting closer after months of tensions over Western Sahara.
A new chapter in judicial cooperation between the two countries
Written by Ziad Abdel Fattah:
In an attempt by Paris and Algiers to restore Building relationships Diplomatic and judicial matters after months of tensions related to Western Sahara and several Cases Prominent legal figure, French Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin traveled to Algeria on Monday.
Darmanin's visit aims to open what French officials have described as a "new chapter" in judicial cooperation between the two countries.
Reviving cooperation on extradition requests
Talks with Algerian Justice Minister Lotfi Boudjema focused on reviving cooperation on extradition requests, investigations into organized crime, and broader security cooperation that has slowed during the diplomatic dispute.
The French minister discussed efforts to prevent criminal figures linked to the German mafia network (DZ), based in Marseille, from seeking asylum in Algeria.
Journalist Christophe Gleize is at the center of the discussions.
The case of detained French sports journalist Christophe Gleize was expected to be one of the main issues raised during the visit.
Gheliz, 37, was arrested in Algeria in May 2024 while covering the news of the Kabylie Youth Sports football club in the Kabylie region.
He was later sentenced to seven years in prison for “glorifying terrorism,” charges that have raised concerns among press freedom advocates and French officials.
Activists announced earlier this month that Ghliz had dropped his appeal to Algeria’s highest court in the hope of obtaining a presidential pardon.
He reportedly received his first diplomatic visit since his arrest on Monday.
Diplomatic breakthrough between France and Algeria after months of tensions
Relations between France and Algeria deteriorated sharply in 2024 after Paris backed Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara, a position strongly opposed by Algeria, which supports the Polisario Front.
The dispute led Algeria to recall its ambassador to France, while political and security cooperation between the two countries slowed considerably.
However, recent visits by senior French officials indicate that relations are gradually improving.
French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez visited Algiers in February to relaunch security cooperation, while French Deputy Defense Minister Alice Ruffaut met with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune last week to discuss defense relations.
France has reinstated its ambassador to Algeria after an absence of nearly a year.
Strengthening security cooperation and combating crime
French authorities are particularly seeking Algeria's cooperation in combating organized crime networks operating throughout the Mediterranean.
Judicial officials say that around 10 requests for legal assistance have been filed concerning alleged leaders of the DZ criminal mafia network who are believed to be in Algeria.
French officials say restoring security cooperation is essential for both countries, given their close historical, political and social ties that affect millions of people on both sides of the Mediterranean.
