ALGERIAN PATRIOTS - ENGLISH

For centuries, France has prided itself on being the cradle of human rights , presenting itself as the guardian of freedom of expression , and lecturing other nations—especially Algeria—on democracy and press freedom. But behind this idealistic rhetoric lies the harsh reality of a democracy that only tolerates voices that enhance its image while swiftly silencing those who dare to expose its darker chapters. The dismissal of journalist Jean-Michel Aphatie from RTL radio simply for stating well-documented historical facts about French colonialism in Algeria is an ethical and political scandal that starkly exposes the contradiction between France’s proclaimed ideals and its authoritarian practices. Selective Memory… A Forbidden Truth Aphatie’s statements were neither a personal opinion nor a fabrication; they were historical truths backed by scholarly research. When he compared the Oradour-sur-Glane massacre committed by the Nazis in 1944 to the massacres perpetrated by the French...

In the midst of ongoing tensions between Paris and Algiers , the issue of deporting Algerian nationals subject to Obligation de Quitter le Territoire Français (OQTF) – orders to leave French territory – remains a contentious subject, fueling diplomatic frictions between the two countries. While official figures confirm that deportations to Algeria have not been completely halted — with 2,500 Algerian nationals expelled in 2024 according to the French government — the core of the dispute lies in Algeria’s categorical refusal to receive certain profiles among its citizens. These are predominantly individuals with heavy criminal records , those suffering from psychiatric disorders , or those linked to terrorism . Far from being an arbitrary stance, this refusal is deeply rooted in a sovereign principle : Algeria is neither obligated nor destined to serve as a dumping ground for individuals radicalized or criminalized on French soil. This position represents a legitimate and responsibl...

French politics has long been shaped by statesmen with strategic vision and the ability to navigate complex international relations with intelligence and diplomacy. The world still remembers Dominique de Villepin’s iconic 2003 speech at the United Nations, where he eloquently defended France’s opposition to the Iraq War, or Roland Dumas, a seasoned diplomat who, despite controversies, mastered the intricacies of geopolitical power dynamics. Today, with figures like Jean-Noël Barrot, the contrast is stark. As the Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs, Barrot represents a new generation of technocratic politicians who lack the depth, experience, and strategic foresight of their predecessors. His recent remarks on BFMTV , where he stated that France had already imposed sanctions on Algeria and was prepared to escalate them if Algeria did not comply, reflect a reckless and counterproductive diplomatic approach. A Dangerous Diplomatic Escalation Tensions between France and Algeria are noth...

Algeria, often seen as a discreet yet influential player on the global stage, is now reaping the benefits of a well-calculated geopolitical strategy based on independence, regional influence, and diversified partnerships . While France faces increasing marginalization in Europe and Africa, and alliances in the Sahel begin to fracture, Algeria is solidifying its position as a key regional power . Recent developments— Mali’s diplomatic U-turn towards Algeria , France’s strategic missteps , and the exclusion of Europe from US-Russia discussions on Ukraine —all illustrate how Algiers’ commitment to pragmatism, sovereignty, and multilateralism is paying off in the long run. Mali Reconciles with Algeria: A Diplomatic Triumph One of the clearest signs of Algeria’s diplomatic success is Mali’s recent decision to restore high-level relations with Algeria by sending an ambassador to Algiers , signaling an attempt to de-escalate tensions that had emerged in recent months. 🔹 Morocco’s Attem...

Ah, the tomato! That little red fruit, the crown jewel of summer salads and the undisputed star of Mediterranean markets, now finds itself at the heart of a conflict blending geopolitics, diplomacy, and—of all things—parliamentary squabbles. Who would’ve thought that a simple fruit-vegetable (we’ll let the botanists argue about that) would become the symbol of a tug-of-war between France, Morocco, and even the Western Sahara? Spoiler alert: everything is political, even ratatouille. Europe’s Vegetable Garden: A Coveted Throne Since 2012, Morocco has been nurturing an ambitious dream: to dethrone Spain as Europe’s primary vegetable supplier. With its generous climate and ultra-modern greenhouses, the kingdom has some serious agricultural cards to play in the high-stakes game of international trade. But not everyone’s cheering from the sidelines. Some French politicians—particularly from the right and far-right—who have historically been strong supporters of Morocco on sensitive issues l...

Moroccan essayist Driss Ghali recently made controversial remarks on CNEWS , claiming that Algerians suffer from an identity crisis and that their identity is built on "hatred of France." This narrative, far from being an objective analysis, is part of a broader propaganda strategy that serves both Moroccan geopolitical interests and certain ideological currents in France. Beyond the political dimension, Ghali’s comments reveal a deeper Moroccan identity crisis , one rooted in the historical reality that Algeria has long been the cradle of Maghreb civilizations . From the Zenata to the Sanhaja , many of the great dynasties that ruled Morocco were of Algerian origin. This historical background plays a significant role in shaping the underlying tensions between the two nations. Additionally, this discourse is closely linked to the growing alliance between Morocco and the French far right , which sees Rabat as a strategic partner against an independent and assertive Algeria. W...

Relations between France and Algeria are experiencing unprecedented tensions, particularly due to France’s support for Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara. Algeria perceives this stance as a direct threat to its strategic interests in North Africa and the Sahel. However, this crisis is not limited to the Western Sahara issue; it also extends to economic cooperation, military alliances, and regional influence in Africa. This article aims to analyze the possible trajectories of the France-Algeria crisis by examining potential scenarios and their short-, medium-, and long-term geopolitical and geostrategic consequences. The analysis is based on academic sources and research studies to assess the factors driving this crisis and its broader implications for power dynamics in the Mediterranean and Africa. 1. Geopolitical Context of the France-Algeria Crisis 1.1. Western Sahara: The Core of the Dispute Algeria has maintained a consistent position on the Western Sahara issue for decades,...

For years, Algeria has been considering passing a law to officially criminalize French colonization (1830-1962) , a prospect that deeply worries France. Such a law would challenge France’s official narrative about its colonial past , while also paving the way for demands for reparations, diplomatic sanctions, and a weakening of French influence in Africa . This article explores in detail why France fears this project so much . 1. An Inevitable Diplomatic Crisis a. A Major Blow to Franco-Algerian Relations France and Algeria have long had a turbulent relationship, with historical grievances resurfacing frequently. If Algeria passes a law criminalizing colonization: Diplomatic tensions would escalate further , similar to the 2021 crisis when Emmanuel Macron made controversial remarks about Algeria’s "politico-military regime." Bilateral cooperation on key issues such as migration, security, and trade would be severely impacted. Reconciliation efforts would become nearly imposs...

The narrative surrounding Morocco’s relationship with the Algerian Revolution has long been shaped by biased historical accounts , mostly propagated by Moroccan state discourse . This version of events portrays King Mohammed V as an unwavering ally of Algeria in its struggle for independence. However, a deeper examination of historical facts reveals that this support was neither unconditional nor altruistic . Rather, it was a political tool , used by the Moroccan monarchy to strengthen its position, gain leverage in negotiations with France, and pursue territorial ambitions at Algeria’s expense. Strategic, Self-Interested Support When the Algerian War of Independence erupted in 1954, Morocco had just gained its own independence in 1956. Still grappling with internal instability and political uncertainty, King Mohammed V saw the Algerian struggle as an opportunity —both to consolidate his rule and to extract concessions from France. By offering limited assistance to the FLN (National ...