French President Emmanuel Macron has introduced new visa restrictions against Algeria, suspending diplomatic passport exemptions for Algerian officials. The move comes amid a deteriorating diplomatic crisis between the two countries.
The tensions began over a year ago and have led to expulsions of officials, recall of ambassadors, and restrictions on diplomats holding diplomatic visas. The dispute centers around the imprisonment of French-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal, who was sentenced to five years in prison for criticizing Moroccan territory’s acquisition by Algeria during the colonial period.
Separately, sports journalist Christophe Gleizes was also sentenced to seven years in prison in Algeria for “condoning terrorism” after interviewing a pro-independence movement leader. Macron has accused Algeria of non-compliance with migration obligations and cited the cessation of cooperation between 18 Algerian consulates present on French soil.
The president’s decision has been met with criticism from Algerian authorities, who accuse France of shirking its responsibilities. The move may have significant implications for mobility between the two countries, affecting Algerians traveling to France for study or work and French businesses in Algeria.
Critics argue that Macron’s actions are a result of his government’s failure to secure an Algerian presidential pardon for Sansal and instead choosing “rupture” as a diplomatic approach. The journalist Khaled Drareni has accused the French presidency of abandoning the truth, citing previous comments by Macron that sparked anger among Algerian authorities.
The move marks a new stage in the crisis, with Algeria announcing plans to repeal the visa exemption agreement for diplomatic passports with Paris.
Source: https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/macron-toughens-frances-stance-against-algeria-new-visa-restrictions