Situation between France, Morocco, and Algeria is analyzed

In an interview with L’Opinion, the situation between France, Morocco, and Algeria is analyzed. Reconciliation with Morocco is deemed necessary and overdue, given its critical role in Africa’s development and its initiatives like the Medays forum, which strengthen ties with France.

The Algerian regime is criticized for perpetuating anti-French resentment rooted in colonial history, despite younger generations being indifferent. The French left is accused of complacency, particularly regarding actions like the imprisonment of writer Boualem Sansal and the rise of anti-Semitism and communitarianism in certain factions.

On African geopolitics, Morocco’s efforts to open the Sahel to the Atlantic are seen as vital for the region’s struggling countries. France's retreat is criticized as a failure of Operation Barkhane, with its overly militaristic focus neglecting local development. Concerns are raised about Russia’s growing influence and setbacks in combating terrorism.

The region's stability is said to rely on economic investment and African nations taking charge of their destiny, supported by strong partnerships like Morocco's. A strategic shift is advocated to improve conditions in the Sahel.

Exclusive Blog Interview: Complete Transcript in English

Actu Maroc

Interview with Pierre Lellouche: “The Left Strangely Remains Silent on the Excesses and Outrages of the Algerian Regime”

Written by Anass MACHLOUKH, Thursday, December 19, 2024

As the crisis between France and Algeria intensifies, Pierre Lellouche, a former minister under Sarkozy's Presidence, is convinced that the Franco-Moroccan reconciliation was the right decision in the face of a fanatical regime that has lost all credibility in the eyes of France. Interview.

Today, France has reconciled with Morocco at the cost of a new falling-out with Algeria, which continues its game of blackmail. How do you assess this attitude?

The Franco-Moroccan reconciliation was expected, and in my opinion, it should have happened much earlier. There was no reason to leave things as they were. Morocco deserves special attention. We needed to get closer and work together, especially in terms of Africa’s development, which is extremely important. We, the French, need to rebuild our relationship with Africa, and we clearly need partners to achieve this. Morocco’s initiatives—such as the Medays forums that bring African nations together—offer excellent inspiration.

By contrast, we’ve had enough of this constant policy of rapprochement with Algeria, which responds by escalating tensions, making outrageous accusations, and taking extremely unpleasant actions. The Algerian regime survives on its “memorial rent” and a perpetual hatred of France. To the regime, France is responsible for everything, even though generations born after independence couldn’t care less about the supposed resentments of the war of independence. That war ended long ago. And yet, Algerians are the largest group to settle in France since independence—what an admission of failure!

Algeria needs to take responsibility for itself and stop sacrificing its youth, who continually seek refuge in France. I speak plainly, as do many French people. We are frankly tired of being insulted and seeing an Algerian community in France filled with resentment. The younger generations born here pose complex issues due to the toxic climate perpetuated by the Algerian regime.

"The Franco-Moroccan reconciliation was expected and should have happened much earlier."

Unfortunately, relations with Algeria are frozen. As long as the Algerian government exploits anti-French resentment, I see little that can be done—even though there are shared interests, such as counter-terrorism, organized crime, and the repatriation of undocumented migrants. These are areas where we could collaborate, but it is incredibly difficult. We are overwhelmed by illegal migrants, many of whom come because they see no future in Algeria.

"The French are a bit tired of being the scapegoat for Algeria's failures."

Today, the imprisonment of the writer Boualem Sansal in Algeria has outraged politicians and intellectuals in France, particularly on the right. Mr. Sansal has always been a respected voice, regarded as a brilliant mind by his peers in France. What message does the Algerian regime send by so violently targeting a writer who has merely expressed his opinion?

I personally co-signed a letter with intellectuals demanding his release. His arrest is scandalous, but not surprising. I don’t understand why he went to Algeria, knowing the risks of being arrested. He took a major risk. The Algerian regime doesn’t want to confront the dark period of its civil war, which claimed 200,000 lives. Officially, there are no culprits, and discussing it publicly is forbidden. Those who dare to address this tragic chapter are treated with suspicion, accused of supporting France or the far right.

It’s an unbearable caricature. I’ve read Kamel Daoud’s book, which won the Goncourt Prize. It describes the suffering of people caught between the Islamists and the Army during that era. For this, he has faced ridiculous accusations of treason and association with the far right, even though he simply provided a fictionalized account of the experiences of tens of thousands of people.

"Boualem Sansal's arrest is scandalous, but not surprising."

The left remains curiously cautious, avoiding any reaction. Is it afraid of upsetting the regime it is so indulgent toward? Is there an intellectual complicity?

The left today is lost. It is held hostage by the far left, which has allied itself with anti-Semites and those promoting radical fundamentalism and communitarianism. Moderate socialists have tied their fate to this alliance and cannot break away due to purely electoral reasons.

The Socialist Party’s current leadership believes salvation lies in an alliance with La France Insoumise (LFI), but they fail to see they are merely Jean-Luc Mélenchon’s useful idiots. It’s disgraceful. This compromises the socialists, who were once staunchly anti-racist and anti-anti-Semitic. Now, they ally with avowed anti-Semites who exploit the Palestinian cause for electoral gain under the guise of a false and biased anti-racism. Their responsibility is enormous.

These ambiguities—such as their closeness to Algeria and sensitivity to third-worldist ideas—explain why the left remains silent on the Algerian regime's excesses.

"La France Insoumise exploits the Palestinian cause for electoral purposes."

You mentioned the importance of cooperation in Africa. Morocco aims to open up the Sahel by providing access to the Atlantic Ocean. What is your view on this?

Opening up the Sahel with maritime corridors is a wise decision. It’s essential to give the states in the region a chance. The Sahara’s geography enables this maritime link between Morocco and sub-Saharan Africa.

Sadly, the Sahel’s situation remains problematic. Nothing has improved since the departure of French and American forces. Terrorist groups persist, and local governments remain powerless. Russia’s involvement has not yielded the expected results.

This is deeply regrettable, especially as the Sahel is one of Africa’s regions with the fastest-growing population, projected to reach 220 million. Without development prospects, the crisis could fuel further migration. Investing in the Sahel’s development is more crucial than ever. Morocco’s initiatives deserve praise.

The Sahel states have broken ties with France and seem to be turning to other powers like Russia. How do you perceive France’s withdrawal from this region?

Let’s be objective. We have made mistakes. Personally, I opposed Operation Barkhane—it was a mistake. We shouldn’t have stayed in the Sahel after the intervention in Mali. Presidents Hollande and Macron were wrong to stay for ten years. They created their own Afghanistan.

If most funds go to the military while development aid fails to reach the population, we are perceived as occupiers. The Russians exploited local dissatisfaction and the coups to consolidate their power.

We’ve made errors, and we must acknowledge them, even though our fight against terrorism was justified. Ultimately, we lost that battle.