Algeria’s President postpones visit to France again, in apparent snub to Paris

Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has once again postponed his visit to France, citing strained relations and accusing the former colonial power of “genocide” during its rule, according to France’s RFI. Tebboune made the remarks during his first televised interview since being re-elected in September. He dismissed the idea of visiting France, referencing the phrase “I will not go to Canossa,” implying he will not seek forgiveness or humble himself.

Tensions between Algiers and Paris have deteriorated since July, when France made a decisive shift in foreign policy by coming out in support for Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara. Tebboune also criticized France’s stance on colonial-era nuclear tests in Algeria and condemned France’s immigration policies.

Despite initial progress in improving bilateral relations through a joint historical commission, Tebboune blames a "French minority" for impeding the commission’s work. His remarks mark another low point in Franco-Algerian relations, further complicating diplomatic ties between the North African country and its former colonial power.