Relations between the two countries began unraveling last year when France backed Morocco’s proposal to administer Western Sahara—an area claimed by Algeria-supported independence movements. The French pivot angered Algiers, which accused Paris of destabilizing the region and aligning with its rival. The situation was further complicated by France’s demands for Algeria to accept the return of deported migrants—requests Algiers reportedly ignored.

Macron’s shift comes amid growing domestic pressure to enforce immigration rules and reset relations with North Africa. “From now on, we have no choice but to adopt a stance of great firmness,” Macron wrote in his message, according to a source familiar with the communication.

Retaliation And Diplomatic Fallout

In response, Algeria’s Foreign Ministry announced it would impose identical entry restrictions on French diplomats and accused France of deflecting blame. “France is making threats to escalate the dispute and Algeria will not succumb,” the ministry said in a statement.

Ties have further soured over Algeria’s recent imprisonment of two dual nationals: author Boualem Sansal and journalist Christophe Gleizes. French authorities view both cases as politically motivated and a violation of basic diplomatic norms. The crisis also threatens key energy ties, as Algeria remains a major gas supplier to France, and French energy firm TotalEnergies holds interests in Algerian oil projects.

Despite the escalating rhetoric, neither side has ruled out further engagement. But for now, the breakdown marks one of the worst diplomatic rifts between France and its former colony in years.