Macron calls on Algeria to repair diplomatic ties

French President Emmanuel Macron warned Algeria against engaging in “political games” Friday, and urged it to help mend strained diplomatic ties, AFP reports. Tensions have risen between the two nations over immigration and security issues, highlighted by Algiers’ refusal to accept deported undocumented Algerians. One deportee later carried out a deadly stabbing attack in the French city Mulhouse last weekend.

Macron, speaking in Porto, Portugal, insisted that repatriation agreements must be fully respected, warning of potential visa restrictions and aid cuts. His comments follow escalating criticism from hardline Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, who has blamed Algeria for failing to cooperate on migration.

The dispute has been exacerbated by France’s decision to recognize Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara and Algeria’s detention of Franco-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal on national security charges. Macron called Sansal’s detention “arbitrary”, suggesting his release could help restore trust between the two nations. Algeria rejects what it calls French interference in its internal affairs.