Diplomatic tensions between Algeria and France escalate after a documentary on the alleged maneuvers of the Algerian regime.
A new chapter intensified the complex relationship between Algeria and France. After the broadcast of the documentary La nuit de vingt heures on France Télévision, tensions between the two countries reached a new level. The report revealed the alleged maneuvers of the Algerian regime to pressure its exiled opponents in France. According to the documentary, Algerian intelligence services had contacted exiles in France offering them the possibility of returning to Algeria without facing reprisals in exchange for collaborating and providing information about other activists. The documentary also highlighted that these maneuvers went beyond social media influence, including direct actions on French soil to neutralize dissenting voices.
One of the key testimonies was that of opposition cartoonist Ghilas Ainouche, currently a refugee in France. Ainouche revealed that Algerian authorities had contacted him multiple times, offering to annul his ten-year prison sentence in exchange for his submission to the regime. Other opponents confirmed that similar proposals had been made to them, reinforcing the idea that these practices were systematic and well-coordinated. This testimony shed a harsh light on the controversial methods used by the Algerian regime to control and manipulate its opponents abroad.
The response from the Algerian government and official media was swift and fierce. The Algerian News Agency, as well as private channels like Echorouk and Ennahar, accused the documentary producers of spreading disinformation and labeled the report a “vile conspiracy.” The Algerian News Agency condemned what it called a “media scandal” and criticized France Télévision for its lack of professionalism, stating that this documentary was a deliberate attack on Algeria’s image. Private Algerian channels also took a stand, claiming that France was using its media to influence public opinion and destabilize the country.
At the same time, France hardened its position towards Algeria. The French government announced an audit of all agreements signed with Algeria and restricted access to certain Algerian dignitaries at official events. This decision was interpreted as a direct response to Algeria’s diplomatic maneuvers and an attempt to pressure the regime. France appears determined to defend its values, particularly regarding human rights and freedom of expression, in the face of accusations of public opinion manipulation by Algeria.
The diplomatic crisis between the two countries also stems from deeper disagreements in the historical and political spheres. Algeria, which has begun to diversify its economic alliances and reduce its dependence on France, has accused Paris of attempting to manipulate the media to influence Algerian public opinion. These tensions are not new and date back several years, especially due to France’s colonial legacy in Algeria and debates over the recognition of colonial crimes. As a result, France’s criticism of the Algerian regime, especially on issues of human rights and democracy, is often seen as interference in the country’s internal affairs.
The conflict between French and Algerian media is not only a dispute over the truth but also a battle for influence in the media space. While Algerian authorities accuse French media of distorting the reality of the country, dissenting voices in Algeria and France are using social media to spread opposing narratives. In Algeria, influential accounts have called for a boycott of French media, labeling them “liars” and “propagandists.” On the other hand, French digital platforms amplify denunciations of the Algerian regime, giving voice to opponents and political activists.
The media conflict between Algeria and France is therefore much more than a dispute over the truth; it reflects broader geopolitical and diplomatic struggles between the two countries. The broadcast of this documentary could mark a turning point in relations between the two nations, deepening division and mutual distrust. It is clear that this information war only exacerbates an already tense climate, where accusations of manipulation and distortion of reality continue to multiply.
The coming months will be crucial to assess whether this diplomatic crisis will subside or escalate further. The French government seems determined to keep the pressure on Algeria, while the Algerian regime continues to defend its position on the international stage, undeterred by Western accusations. Meanwhile, media tensions remain high, with consequences that could transcend the borders of both countries and affect their long-term international relations.