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Algeria–France Diplomatic Crisis Intensifies
In April 2025, tensions between France and Algeria flared after the arrest of an Algerian consular agent in France, triggering mutual expulsions, political backlash, and fears of long-term diplomatic fallout. This analysis explores the roots, reactions, and possible outcomes of one of the most serious rifts between the two nations in decades.
France’s Far-Right Pushes to End 1968 Franco-Algerian Treaty, Escalating Diplomatic Tensions
France’s far-right movement has been escalating diplomatic tensions with Algeria by calling to revoke the 1968 Franco-Algerian Treaty. On February 26, 2025, members of the French government threatened unilateral termination of the treaty unless Algeria accepted the return of undocumented migrants.
Franco-Algerian relations set to worsen over planned military maneuvers in Morocco
Algeria summoned the French Ambassador to protest the planned “Chergui 2025” Franco-Moroccan military exercises scheduled for September near the Algerian border. Tensions between the nations have escalated following France’s support for Morocco’s position on Western Sahara.
Building a Road to Nowhere? Morocco’s Unfinished Push to Mauritania
Morocco is nearing completion of a 93-kilometer road linking Es-Semara to the Mauritanian border, a project touted as a boost for regional connectivity. However, with no immediate link to Mauritanian infrastructure and no confirmed plans for its extension, the road currently leads to a dead end.
Algeria Opens First of Five Seawater Desalination Plants to Combat Water Shortages
Algeria has inaugurated the first of five planned seawater desalination plants in Cap-Blanc, Oran, as part of an emergency initiative to address severe water stress and the future impacts of climate change.
Franco-Algerian Diplomatic Relations in Turmoil
The Franco-Algerian diplomatic relations are going through a turbulent period. The latest signs of discord between them stem from multiple sources that include the change in France’s recognition of Morocco’s plan on the Western Sahara
Mali Keeps Pressuring Algeria, Accusing it of Interference
Mali has accused Algeria of interference and supporting terrorist groups after top Algerian diplomat criticized its counter-terrorism strategy. Bamako alleges Algeria maintains ties to insurgent groups, a reference to the Toureg tribes,
Algeria boosts defense budget to tackle cross-border threats
Algeria’s draft Finance Law for the year 2025 earmarks record spending for its military and defense. The Ministry of Defense, which oversees the country’s armed forces, will receive more than US$25 billion, an increase of over 10% compared to 2024. The move is...
Algeria: Diphtheria and Malaria outbreak in southern border regions claims at least 40 lives
Algeria’s southern provinces are experiencing an outbreak of malaria and diphtheria, with the authorities working to reassure that public that “the situation is stable.” The most affected region appears to be Timiaouine, in the Bordj Badji Mokhtar province. The Algerian Health Security Agency says the two diseases have already claimed the lives of 40 people. Local sources say the malaria outbreak is due to marshes formed after heavy rains hit the region in September.
Algeria: Former head of police in custody for allegedly conspiring with foreign officials
An Algerian military court ordered the provisional detention of a former national police chief, Farid Bencheikh, who carried the title of Director General of National Security. The arrest was commented by many observers of the Algerian political scene, because...
Algeria: Despite “winning” reelection, President Tebboune denounces “irregularities”
By MondAfrique: The three candidates in the Algerian presidential election, including President Tebboune, who was re-elected last Saturday with 94.65% of the vote, have accused the National Independent Election Authority (ANIE) of "irregularities" and...
Energy: Algeria’s Oil and Gas Ambitions in Niger Makes Trans-Sahara Pipeline More Likely
Algeria is making progress in convincing Niger and Nigeria to go ahead with the construction of the trans-Saharan gas pipeline. Two events emerged recently that created uncertainty and risk for this project. The shift from the Mohamed Bezzoum regime to the military...
France-Algeria: Emmanuel Macron stuns President Tebboune
Algeria and France are now going through another diplomatic crisis, culminating with the recall of Algeria's ambassador from his post in Paris, after France endorsed Morocco's plan on the Wester Sahara. President Abdelmadjid Tebboune of Algeria is reportedly extremely...
Morocco: King Mohammed VI gets France’s support on Western Sahara, pardons some jailed journalists and activists
King Mohammed VI is celebrating 25 years on the throne. The event was celebrated nationwide in Morocco, and in a give-and-take moment, the King receiving a massive gift from France and gave back the freedom to some journalists and activists who have been in prison....
Flurry of Major Infrastructure and Energy Projects in West Maghreb
Algeria and Morocco are committing big investments in infrastructure and energy, from building new railroad networks and expanding highways, to creating electricity from renewable sources to boosting production of fossil fuel.
Elections in North Africa: No Excitement Ahead, No Change in Course
It’s a big political year worldwide. Many countries have already experienced or will have elections this year, and North Africa is no exception. While serious ideological changes seem to occur in Europe, and uncertainty looms in the US with two aging candidates and...
Drought Disrupts Wheat Sector in Morocco, Uncertainty with French and Russian Supplies
Morocco’s wheat harvest this year is likely to fall below 2.5 million tons due to a debilitating and lasting drought that has affected much of the country. To put it into perspective, during the wet season, output can reach up to 10 million tons, according to Bloomberg. Industry analysts warn that grain production in Morocco this year will drop by 39% compared to the 2023’s harvest of 4.2 million tons.
How to MEGA or ‘Make Europe Great Again’
In the second week of June 2024, far-right parties across the EU made significant gains in the European Parliament elections. In France, the National Rally led by Marine Le Pen secured nearly a third of the votes, forcing President Emmanuel Macron to dissolve the National Assembly and call for snap elections. Far-right gains affected most major European nations, such as Germany and Italy. In contrast, the Green parties suffered significant losses, which as seeing their influence in Germany and other countries wane.
Algeria’s strengthening EU gas market pushes Morocco to look for its own gas
Algeria was in the spotlight at the G7 summit in Bari in Italy in mid-June. New agreements have been signed with President Tebboun. To counter the strengthening Algerian strategy on the European gas market. Morocco is trying to develop its own gas fields.
Algeria-Morocco: The Dividing Kaftan
The Kaftan or Caftan, is now source of new tension between Morocco and Algeria. The two countries have been monitoring each other’s moves to pinpoint and complain about “cultural appropriation” when it comes to food, traditional graphics designs, arts and now robes.
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