Laurent Nunez Visits Algeria Amid Strained Relations With France

French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez has begun a two-day official visit to Algeria amid strained relations between Algeria and France. The visit comes against a backdrop of unresolved historical grievances from the colonial era, disagreements over migration policies, and political tensions linked to France’s stance on Western Sahara. While Nunez was formally received by Algerian officials, the absence of a clear agenda has raised doubts about the visit’s potential to ease tensions or revive meaningful diplomatic dialogue.

French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez began a two-day official visit to Algeria on Monday, a visit that highlights the persistent strains and unresolved challenges shaping diplomatic relations between Algeria and France. The trip comes at a sensitive moment, as ties between the two countries continue to be influenced by a long and painful colonial history alongside present-day political and policy disagreements.
Nunez arrived at Houari Boumediene Airport, where he was officially received by his Algerian counterpart, Said Sayoud, according to a brief statement issued by the Algerian Interior Ministry. The formal welcome underscored the importance attached to the visit, even as uncertainty remains over its precise objectives and expected outcomes.
While no detailed agenda has been publicly released, French media reports indicate that Nunez will remain in Algeria for two days. The absence of clear information about the purpose of the visit has raised questions among observers about the scope of discussions that may take place and whether the meetings can lead to meaningful engagement at a time when relations are particularly fragile. This lack of transparency has added to speculation about whether the visit is primarily symbolic or aimed at reopening channels of communication that have remained largely dormant in recent years.
Diplomatic relations between Algeria and France have deteriorated in recent months, driven largely by unresolved historical grievances linked to the French colonial period, as well as ongoing disagreements over migration and regional political issues. Tensions intensified in July when both governments downgraded their diplomatic representation to the level of chargé d’affaires. This move followed France’s decision to support Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara, a proposal that Algeria firmly rejects. Algeria instead continues to back the Polisario Front, which is calling for a referendum on self-determination for the territory.
The last visit by a French government official to Algeria prior to this trip took place in April 2015, when then foreign minister Jean-Noel Barrot held talks with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. At the time, both sides expressed a desire to revive bilateral dialogue and strengthen cooperation in areas such as security. However, those efforts failed to yield lasting results, and subsequent developments, including the arrest of an Algerian consular employee in Paris, further deepened mistrust and stalled diplomatic progress.
Relations were further strained last month when the Algerian parliament ratified a law criminalising France’s colonisation of Algeria, which lasted from 1830 to 1962. The legislation reflects the depth of historical resentment that continues to influence Algeria’s approach to France and serves as a reminder of the lasting scars left by colonial rule. It also highlights Algeria’s continued push for recognition of past injustices and, for some, the question of reparations.
The broader historical relationship between Algeria and France is marked by a brutal war of independence and decades of colonial domination, the consequences of which remain deeply embedded in Algeria’s national identity and political outlook. These historical experiences have made reconciliation a complex and emotionally charged process, with lingering distrust shaping contemporary diplomacy.
In addition to historical issues, migration remains a major source of tension between the two countries. Algeria and France have frequently clashed over immigration policies, visa restrictions, and the treatment of Algerian nationals living in France. French government measures on migration have often drawn criticism in Algeria, triggering public anger and adding another layer of strain to already difficult relations.
As Laurent Nunez continues his visit, it remains unclear whether discussions will directly address these sensitive matters or whether they will be overshadowed by long-standing political disagreements and historical baggage. While the possibility for dialogue exists, any progress will depend on a willingness from both sides to confront difficult issues and seek areas of common understanding. With both historical grievances and current disputes still unresolved, the outcome of this visit could have important implications for the future direction of Algerian-French relations, even as prospects for reconciliation and sustained cooperation remain uncertain.