BY: Dr. Hana Saada
Algiers, Algeria | November 13th, 2024 — In a provocative move that signals a new phase in diplomatic tensions between France and Algeria, French Ambassador to Morocco, Christophe Lecourtier, recently visited the occupied Western Sahara territories, a step that has led many observers to conclude that Paris has now crossed a critical threshold in its relations with Algeria.
Lecourtier’s visit, which took place on Monday and Tuesday of this week, marks the first time a high-ranking European diplomat has visited the disputed region, specifically the cities of Laayoune and Dakhla. The visit was accompanied by a French delegation from the embassy, and it is widely viewed as a clear endorsement of Morocco’s claim over the region, despite international law and the longstanding position of the United Nations, which considers the Sahrawi people represented solely by the Polisario Front in their fight for self-determination.
This controversial visit blatantly disregards a ruling by the European Court of Justice on October 4, 2024, which explicitly rejected Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara. The court’s decision is final and binding, and as a member state of the European Union, France is legally bound to respect such judgments. Yet, the French government has allowed this high-profile visit to go ahead, effectively undermining its legal obligations and turning a blind eye to the international consensus on the issue.
The diplomatic fallout from this move has been swift. Algeria, which has long been a staunch supporter of the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination, has reacted with outrage. The visit has been described as a deliberate provocation, further complicating already strained relations between Paris and Algiers. The Algerian government has consistently maintained a firm stance on the Western Sahara issue, and this latest step by France is seen as a blatant disregard for its position.
The timing of the visit also adds to the tension, as it follows a series of French diplomatic moves that have increasingly aligned with Morocco’s position on the Sahara conflict. These include President Macron’s earlier statement in support of Morocco’s territorial claims, which has deeply upset Algeria and led to a diplomatic crisis. In response, Algeria reduced the level of its diplomatic representation in France, further downgrading its relations with Paris.
While France’s decision to proceed with Lecourtier’s visit may appear to be an attempt to solidify ties with Morocco, it is clear that this approach comes at the cost of its relationship with Algeria. The Algerian foreign ministry has made it clear that it holds France solely responsible for the deteriorating state of affairs, and observers predict that the economic and diplomatic repercussions of this decision will be significant. With Algeria’s increasing disengagement from France, particularly in matters relating to the Sahara conflict, it remains to be seen how Paris will navigate the fallout, especially as French interests in Algeria continue to be substantial.
As tensions mount, some analysts suggest that Algeria may be biding its time, waiting for an opportunity to respond to France’s provocative actions. While Algeria has yet to take direct retaliatory measures, many experts speculate that the country may soon make a more forceful statement, especially as the situation with France shows no sign of improving. This diplomatic standoff raises important questions about the future of Franco-Algerian relations, and whether the current crisis marks a turning point in the broader geopolitics of North Africa.
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