France and Algeria are moving to restore diplomatic and judicial cooperation after months of strained relations, as French Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin visited Algiers for high-level talks with Algerian officials. The visit is part of broader efforts by both governments to reopen communication channels following tensions sparked by France’s support for Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara, a position strongly opposed by Algeria. During meetings with Algerian Justice Minister Lotfi Boudjemaa, Darmanin discussed the revival of judicial cooperation, including extradition requests, organized crime investigations and broader security coordination that had slowed during the diplomatic fallout.
French officials described the talks as the beginning of a “new chapter” in relations between the two countries. One of the key issues raised during the visit was the case of detained French journalist Christophe Gleizes, who was arrested in Algeria in May 2024 while reporting on Jeunesse Sportive de Kabylie in the Kabylia region. Gleizes, 37, was later sentenced to seven years in prison on charges of “glorifying terrorism,” a case that drew criticism from press freedom organizations and French authorities.
Campaigners recently said the journalist had withdrawn his appeal before Algeria’s highest court in hopes of securing a presidential pardon. On Monday, he reportedly received his first diplomatic visit since being detained. Relations between Paris and Algiers deteriorated sharply in 2024 after France backed Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara, leading Algeria to recall its ambassador and suspend parts of its political and security cooperation with France. Recent diplomatic engagements, however, suggest relations are gradually improving. French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez visited Algiers earlier this year to revive security cooperation, while French Deputy Defence Minister Alice Rufo recently met Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune to discuss defense relations.
France has also reinstated its ambassador to Algeria after nearly a year without full diplomatic representation. Security cooperation remains a major priority for both countries, particularly in tackling organized crime networks operating across the Mediterranean. French authorities are seeking Algeria’s assistance in investigations linked to the Marseille-based DZ Mafia criminal network, with several suspected figures believed to be in Algeria. Officials on both sides say rebuilding cooperation is essential given the deep historical, economic and social ties connecting millions of people in France and Algeria.
