France and Algeria have agreed to resume high-level security cooperation, signaling a tentative thaw in diplomatic relations strained by political and regional disputes. The agreement was reached on Tuesday during a visit to Algiers by French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez, his first major engagement in Algeria since ties deteriorated last year.
Following talks with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, Nuñez announced that both countries had agreed to “reactivate a high-level security cooperation mechanism,” covering areas such as judicial coordination, policing, intelligence sharing, and migration-related issues.
The visit comes after a prolonged period of tension between France and Algeria, exacerbated in 2024 when Paris officially backed Moroccan sovereignty over the disputed Western Sahara. Algeria supports the pro-independence Polisario Front, a stance that has long been a source of friction with France.
Nuñez said Monday was devoted to technical working sessions aimed at restoring “normal security relations,” noting progress on sensitive issues including intelligence cooperation and readmissions. Algeria has for months declined to accept the return of its nationals living irregularly in France, a point of contention that Nuñez said President Tebboune had now instructed his services to address more constructively.
According to Nuñez, the renewed cooperation is expected to take effect “as quickly as possible” and operate “at a very high level.” Images released by Algerian authorities showed senior security officials from both sides attending the meetings, including France’s domestic intelligence chief and Algeria’s head of internal security.
The trip, extended at the invitation of Algerian Interior Minister Said Sayoud, had been planned for several months but was repeatedly postponed amid diplomatic uncertainty. Prior to traveling, Nuñez said he intended to raise a broad range of concerns, including drug trafficking and counterterrorism.
Algeria is considered a key regional actor in counterterrorism efforts, particularly given its borders with junta-led Niger and Mali, both facing persistent jihadist violence.
Nuñez had also indicated he would seek to discuss the case of Christophe Gleizes, a French sports journalist serving a seven-year prison sentence in Algeria for “glorifying terrorism.” It remains unclear whether the issue was raised directly with President Tebboune, from whom the journalist’s family has requested a pardon.
While challenges remain, Tuesday’s agreement marks the clearest step yet toward repairing security ties between Paris and Algiers after months of diplomatic chill.
