Relationships between France and Algeria are experiencing a significant strain, particularly after France’s recent shift in support towards Morocco on the Sahara issue. This tension is now escalating, as Algeria has refused to host one of its nationals, the individual responsible for the recent attack in Mulhouse, which resulted in one death and several injuries.
Refusal to Host the Attacker
The French authorities had submitted ten requests for consular passes to expel the attacker, an Algerian national, from Mulhouse. However, these requests were met with refusal, as stated by Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, who is now calling for a “balance of powers” to be established with Algiers. The minister’s remarks come as a response to the lack of cooperation from Algeria, which prevented the expulsion of the terrorist before the attack.
The attack, which occurred yesterday, has once again highlighted the issue of Islamist terrorism and its connection to migratory disorders. According to Minister Retailleau, “Once again, it is Islamist terrorism that attacks, and once again, migratory disorders are at the origin of this attack.” In statements to TF1, the minister criticized Algeria’s lack of cooperation, emphasizing that the country’s refusal to welcome back its national, who was known to intelligence services and belonged to the OQTF, played a significant role in the events that unfolded.
Call for a New Approach
The attacker, a radicalized Algerian individual, was known to the intelligence services and had been flagged as a potential threat. Minister Retailleau pointed out that Algeria’s refusal to accept this individual back into the country is a clear indication of the need for a change in approach. “Here is an individual who had to be welcomed by Algeria, and Algeria has rejected him,” he said. The minister insisted that France needs to reassess its relationship with Algeria, particularly in light of the 1968 agreement currently being discussed in Brussels. He emphasized the need to establish a balance of power, stating, “We have been kind enough with Algeria. We have struggled to lend a hand to Algeria. What did we get in return?” This call for a new approach reflects the growing frustration within the French government regarding Algeria’s stance on issues of terrorism and migration.
