Tensions between Algeria and France have escalated following a series of incidents involving the deportation and arrest of Algerian influencers in France. The situation worsened after French authorities deported Algerian social media influencer Nauman Boualam, known as “Doualemn” who was accused of inciting violence against activists opposing the Algerian regime. However, Algerian authorities refused to accept him and returned him to France, prompting French authorities to detain more Algerian influencers, bringing the total number of detainees to six.
In one notable case, French authorities arrested an activist known as “Imad Tantan,” a 31-year-old living in the suburbs of Grenoble, southeastern France. He was apprehended last Friday after posting a video allegedly encouraging his followers to “burn, kill, and rape on French soil.” According to police sources, Imad Tantan was arrested alongside his twin brother, and a search of their residence led to the discovery of filming equipment used to produce the controversial video, which had amassed over 800,000 views before its removal. French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau publicly condemned the video, sharing excerpts on his social media accounts and emphasizing that “nothing will go unpunished.”
In a separate case, another Algerian influencer, identified as 25-year-old “Youssef A,” known online as “Zazo Youssef,” was placed in provisional detention in Brest, western France. Prosecutor Camille Miansoni confirmed that Youssef is facing charges of “publicly inciting a terrorist act” after allegedly posting a TikTok video on December 31, 2024, encouraging violent actions in both France and Algeria. Youssef, who was residing in France on a temporary residence permit, is scheduled to stand trial on February 24, 2025. If convicted, he faces a prison sentence of up to seven years and a fine of €100,000.
In a parallel development, diplomatic tensions have flared over the case of Algerian-French writer Boualam Sunsal, who has been imprisoned in Algeria since November 2024 on charges related to national security threats. French President Emmanuel Macron criticized Algeria’s refusal to release Sunsal, describing it as “damaging to Algeria’s reputation” and urging his release on humanitarian grounds. Speaking at a diplomatic gathering at the Élysée Palace, Macron stated, “The Algeria we love so much, with which we share so many people and stories, damages its reputation by preventing a severely ill man from receiving treatment.” He further described Sunsal as “a fighter for freedom” and called for his immediate release.
In response, the Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed “astonishment” at Macron’s remarks, denouncing them as “flagrant and unacceptable interference” in the country’s internal affairs. The ministry asserted that the case is a matter of “violating the territorial integrity of the country,” which is considered a criminal offense under Algerian law.
The Algerian National People’s Assembly, the country’s lower house of Parliament, issued a statement condemning Macron’s remarks, labeling them as “blatant interference” that undermines Algeria’s sovereignty and dignity. The statement underscored that Algeria, having endured significant suffering during the French colonial era, firmly rejects any external interference in its internal matters.
“Such actions remain unacceptable to the Algerian people and will not affect our independent course; instead, they will only strengthen our resolve to protect our sovereignty and dignity,” the statement read. The Algerian Parliament further called on France to respect the principles of international relations based on mutual respect.
As tensions between the two nations continue to mount, the evolving situation underscores the fragility of their diplomatic relationship, with both sides asserting their national interests and sovereignty.