France and Algeria Resume High-Level Security Cooperation Amid Diplomatic Thaw

France and Algeria have agreed to resume high-level security cooperation, covering judicial matters, policing, intelligence sharing, and readmissions of nationals. The move comes amid strained ties since France recognized Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara in 2024. The visit by French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez included senior security officials and addressed issues like drug trafficking, counterterrorism, and the case of French journalist Christophe Gleizes.

France and Algeria have agreed to resume high-level security cooperation, signaling a potential thaw in diplomatic relations during a visit to Algiers by French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez. The visit came amid strained ties between France and its former colony, tensions that escalated in 2024 when Paris officially recognized Moroccan sovereignty over the disputed Western Sahara region, which Algeria opposes and where it supports the pro-independence Polisario Front.
During meetings with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, Nuñez confirmed that both countries had agreed to “reactivate a high-level security cooperation mechanism.” The discussions focused on restoring normal security relations, including cooperation in judicial matters, policing, and intelligence sharing. Nuñez expressed gratitude to the Algerian president for directing Algerian authorities to work with France on improving cooperation regarding the readmission of nationals, an issue that had long been a point of contention due to Algeria’s previous refusal to take back its citizens living irregularly in France.
Images released by Algerian authorities showed that senior security officials from both countries participated in the talks, including France’s domestic intelligence chief and Algeria’s head of internal security. The trip, invited by Algerian counterpart Said Sayoud, had been planned months in advance but faced repeated delays. Nuñez indicated that the agenda covered a broad range of security concerns, including drug trafficking and counterterrorism, with Algeria playing a crucial regional role given its borders with Niger and Mali, both experiencing significant jihadist activity.
In addition to broader security issues, Nuñez raised the case of Christophe Gleizes, a French journalist serving a seven-year sentence for “glorifying terrorism.” While the journalist’s family has requested a pardon, it remains unclear whether the matter was directly discussed with President Tebboune. Overall, the visit demonstrates both countries’ intent to rebuild security cooperation despite lingering political tensions and a backlog of unresolved issues.