Interview with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune for French newspaper L'Opinion
Drawing a Clear Map of Algeria’s International Relations
President Warns France Against an Irreparable Rift
President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has asserted that the climate of relations with France has become harmful, emphasizing that the ball is now in the Élysée’s court to avoid an irreparable split.
In an interview with L’Opinion, President Tebboune stated, “The climate with France has become harmful, and we are wasting time with Macron.” He added that France’s Minister of the Interior attempted to launch a political attack on Algeria by trying to expel an Algerian influencer.
He further explained that while France pursues Algerian activists on social media, it grants nationality and asylum rights to criminals and saboteurs.
The President dismissed claims from certain French politicians that Algeria is isolated, stating that such claims are laughable.
On another note, President Tebboune addressed the case of writer Boualem Sansal, saying, “This is a problem for those who created it. We have not yet heard all the secrets from him.” He reassured that Sansal is receiving treatment and is in contact with his family.
The Memory Issue: A Serious Matter
Regarding historical memory, President Tebboune stressed the need for a serious approach, stating, “The remnants of the colonial past must be dealt with seriously. We will not accept sweeping its traces under the rug.”
He insisted that France has an obligation—humanitarian, ethical, political, and military—to clean up the nuclear waste left in Algeria.
He also emphasized that France alone is responsible for handling jihadist cases that have turned into extremism on its soil.
International Relations and Algeria’s Foreign Policy
Discussing Algeria’s foreign policy, the President reaffirmed that since independence, the country has adhered to two fundamental principles: non-alignment and non-interference in the internal affairs of other nations.
He highlighted Algeria’s strong relationships with Mediterranean countries in investment and trade, asserting that “Algeria is a pillar of stability in Africa.”
Regarding relations with the United States, President Tebboune stated that Algeria has maintained good ties with all American presidents, whether Democrats or Republicans. He recalled that the U.S. supported Algeria’s cause at the United Nations during the War of Independence and remains the only country with a city named after Algerian national hero Emir Abdelkader.
He noted that major projects in the hydrocarbons and other sectors were executed in partnership with the U.S. during the tenures of former Algerian presidents Boumédiène, Chadli, and Bouteflika.
Syria, Ukraine, and Algeria’s Position on International Conflicts
On Syria, President Tebboune stated that Algeria faced opposition when advocating for Syria’s return to the Arab League in 2022. He affirmed that Algeria has always condemned massacres against Syrians and had firmly conveyed this stance to the former Syrian president, while also supporting political dialogue to resolve the crisis.
Regarding the Russia-Ukraine war, he emphasized that Algeria maintains a principled stance against double standards in international politics. He noted that Ukraine did not respond to Algeria’s mediation efforts between Kyiv and Moscow.
He criticized the selective condemnation in international conflicts, stating, “Russia is condemned in its dispute with Ukraine, but the world remains silent on the annexation of the Golan Heights and Western Sahara!”
Economic Cooperation and Regional Stability
Regarding China’s investments in Algeria, the President noted that Chinese projects are present across multiple sectors, particularly in digital technology and modern industries.
On regional security, he acknowledged that military coups in the Sahel were foreseeable due to weak institutions. He firmly rejected the presence of mercenary forces along Algeria’s borders and stated that Algeria has conveyed this stance to Russia.
He also clarified that Algeria does not support any terrorist groups in Mali and remains committed to peace in the region.
Furthermore, President Tebboune stressed that Algeria has no intention of controlling Mali, explaining that previous tensions with Mali were fueled by foreign interference.
He revealed that Algeria had been preparing a major development plan for northern Mali, worth millions of dollars, emphasizing the shared Tuareg communities between both nations.
Algeria-Tunisia Relations: A Strong Bond
On Tunisia, President Tebboune stated, “My brother, President Kais Saied, enjoys strong popularity in Tunisia despite criticism.” He emphasized Algeria’s continued economic support for Tunisia, recognizing the country’s historical sacrifices in supporting Algeria’s independence struggle.
He reiterated that Tunisia suffered colonial bombings because of its support for Algeria, adding, “It is our duty today to stand by the Tunisian people.”
Western Sahara and Tensions with Morocco
On Western Sahara, President Tebboune reaffirmed Algeria’s support, describing it as a decolonization issue that must be resolved. He reminded that Algeria itself only gained independence after 132 years of colonial rule.
He accused Morocco of being the first aggressor against Algeria’s territorial integrity, just nine months after independence, leading to the deaths of 850 Algerian soldiers.
He clarified that Algeria has only ever reacted to Morocco’s actions, rather than initiating hostilities. He criticized Morocco’s expansionist mindset, citing its delayed recognition of Mauritania until 1972 as evidence.
The President also recalled that Morocco was the first to impose visa restrictions on Algerians in 1994.
He justified Algeria’s decision to ban Moroccan aircraft from its airspace, citing joint Moroccan-Israeli military exercises near Algerian territory as a violation of good neighborly relations.
He concluded by stating, “We must put an end to this situation someday. The Moroccan people are our brothers and deserve better.”
President Tebboune: I Warned Macron Against a Grave Mistake on Western Sahara
President Tebboune revealed that he personally warned French President Emmanuel Macron that he would be making a grave mistake regarding Western Sahara.
In his interview with L’Opinion, he stated, “I warned President Macron that he would commit a serious mistake on the issue of Western Sahara.”
On a separate matter, President Tebboune declared that Algeria would be ready to normalize relations with Israel on the same day that a fully sovereign Palestinian state is established.
Lastly, the President reassured that he has no intention of remaining in power indefinitely, stating, “I have no plans to stay in power beyond my term. I will respect the Algerian constitution.”