Macron urges Algeria to pardon jailed writer

French President Emmanuel Macron urged Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune to show “mercy and humanity” toward Boualem Sansal, AFP reports. The 80-year-old French-Algerian writer was sentenced to 5 years in jail for remarks deemed to undermine Algeria’s territorial integrity. He is in fragile health due to cancer.

Macron made his plea during a frank phone call between the two heads of state to address strained ties, worsened by migration disputes and France’s recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara. The two leaders agreed to restore migration channels, resume security cooperation, and revive a joint historical panel on France’s colonial past in Algeria.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot will visit Algiers on Sunday to discuss bilateral relations. Macron and Tebboune expressed willingness to mend ties, with a future meeting planned in principle. Tebboune recently described Macron as the “only point of reference” for improving relations.