Maghreb Edition

Franco-Algerian relations set to worsen over planned military maneuvers in MoroccoF

Posted On 7 March 2025

Number of times this article was read : 6363

On 6 March 2025, Algeria summoned French Ambassador Stéphane Romatet to convey its opposition to the planned Franco-Moroccan military maneuvers scheduled for September 2025 in Errachidia, near the Algerian border. Algeria called the “Chergui 2025” maneuvers as a “provocation that would further worsen the already tense relations between Algiers and Paris.

Relations between Algeria and France have been strained ever since France changed its neutral stance in the Western Sahara crisis, essentially endorsing the Moroccan position, which Algeria opposes. In addition, France and Algeria have been on opposite sides in the debate over France’s history and colonization of Algeria, and the rise of the far-right in France is intensifying the diplomatic crisis between the two countries.

Both France and Algeria have been making steps that led to a worsening of their diplomatic relations, including France’s tightening of its policies against migrants, and Algeria’s arresting Franco-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal.

The latest episode of the crisis is the recent visits by high-ranking French officials to the disputed Western Sahara. The visits to the region of French Minister of Culture Rachida Dati and Senate President Gérard Larcher were perceived in Algiers as further diplomatic provocations.

The upcoming military exercises involving French troops in Morocco near the Algerian border are likely to raise more anti-France sentiment in Algeria.

Subscribe to Urgent Notifications and Newsletter

Most Recent Stories from the Region

Algeria-France Trade Drops 23% with Import and Energy Curbs$

Trade between Algeria and France fell by roughly 23% in the year ending June 2026, dropping below €9 billion as import controls and political tensions reshape the relationship. Algeria’s tighter oversight of foreign purchases has sharply reduced French exports—particularly in food, automotive equipment, and industrial goods—while energy-driven exports to France also declined. The figures point to a broader shift as Algeria diversifies suppliers and reduces reliance on its former primary trading partner.

Morocco Faces Balancing Test Over Potential Gaza Security Role$

A reported plan for a Moroccan military outpost in Gaza is raising questions about Rabat’s regional strategy. While participation in a multinational stabilization force could be framed as humanitarian and security support, a visible troop presence inside an Israeli-controlled area risks political backlash at home and abroad. The proposal highlights the tension between Morocco’s ties to Israel and its longstanding positioning as a supporter of Palestinian interests.

Sudan’s Army Gains Ground in Kordofan as War Strains Power and Food Systems$

Sudan’s army is gaining ground in North Kordofan, securing key transport routes that could support a broader push west toward Darfur. But battlefield advances are unfolding alongside a deepening national crisis, with power grid failures, disrupted agriculture and local conflicts compounding the country’s instability. But this latest military momentum is unlikely to resolve Sudan’s widening humanitarian and infrastructure challenges.

Written by The North Africa Journal

The North Africa Journal is a leading English-language publication focused on North Africa. The Journal covers primarily the Maghreb region and expands its general coverage to the Sahel, Egypt, and beyond, when events in those regions affect the broader North Africa geography. The Journal does not have any affiliation with any institution and has been independent since its founding in 1996. Our position is to always bring our best analysis of events affecting the region, and remain as neutral as humanly possible. Our coverage is not limited to one single topic, but ranges from economic and political affairs, to security, defense, social and environmental issues. We rely on our full staff analysts and editors to bring you best-in-class analysis. We also work with sister company MEA Risk LLC, to leverage the presence on the ground of a solid network of contributors and experts. Information on MEA Risk can be found at www.MEA-Risk.com.