Tensions between France and Algeria have reached a boiling point, with diplomatic relations strained over a series of incidents involving social media influencers, deportations, and unresolved historical grievances. The controversy highlights the deepening divide between Paris and Algiers, rooted in colonial history and exacerbated by recent geopolitical rivalries.
The latest flare-up began with the case of an Algerian TikTok influencer known as “Doualemn,” who was detained in France for inciting violence against an anti-regime protester. French authorities deported him to Algeria, only for Algerian officials to refuse entry, returning him to French soil. French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau condemned Algeria’s actions, accusing the country of attempting to “humiliate” France. “I believe we have reached an extremely worrying threshold with Algeria,” he said, calling for stricter measures to compel Algeria to take back its nationals.
In another case, Sofia Benlemmane, a Franco-Algerian influencer with over 300,000 followers on TikTok and Facebook, was arrested in France on Thursday. She is accused of spreading hate messages, issuing death threats, and publicly insulting individuals based on their origin and ethnicity. Prosecutors revealed that Benlemmane, once a critic of the Algerian regime but now a supporter, will stand trial on March 18.
One of the charges stems from a September live broadcast where Benlemmane allegedly shouted at a woman, “I hope you get killed, I hope they kill you.” Her lawyer, Frédéric Lalliard, argued that her comments, while provocative, did not amount to a criminal offense. “Her remarks may irritate or shock, but they fall within the realm of free speech,” he said.
The arrests come amid growing concerns in France over the activities of influencers accused of inciting violence and supporting authoritarian regimes. French authorities recently detained three other Algerian influencers for similar offenses, further escalating the diplomatic row. Former Prime Minister Gabriel Attal has called for the cancellation of a 1968 accord granting Algerians special residency and work rights in France, describing some influencers as “preachers of hate.”
Adding to the tension is the case of Boualem Sansal, a French-Algerian writer detained in Algeria since November on charges of “attacking territorial integrity.” Sansal, a vocal critic of the Algerian regime, remains in custody despite calls from French President Emmanuel Macron for his release. Macron described Sansal’s treatment as “a disgrace,” prompting sharp rebukes from Algerian officials.
Dr. Anne-Marie Beauregard, a professor of international relations at Sciences Po Paris, believes the conflict reflects deeper issues in Franco-Algerian relations. “This is not just about influencers or deportations. It’s about unresolved colonial legacies and the complex power dynamics between a former colonizer and its once-colonized state,” she said. Beauregard noted that France’s recent support for Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara—a move opposed by Algeria—has further strained ties. “By aligning with Morocco, Macron effectively closed the door on reconciliation with Algiers, at least during his presidency.”
The influence of social media in shaping political narratives has added another layer to the dispute. According to Dr. Yasmine Belkacem, an expert in North African politics, platforms like TikTok and Facebook have become battlegrounds for political influence. “These influencers are not operating in a vacuum. Many of them have ties to political actors, and their messages often reflect larger geopolitical struggles,” she said.
The diplomatic row underscores broader challenges in the relationship between France and Algeria. While the two countries have long been at odds over issues like immigration and historical grievances, recent events suggest a growing inability to find common ground. Retailleau’s vow to explore “all means” to pressure Algeria to accept deportees signals a hardening stance in Paris.
Algeria, for its part, has accused France of interfering in its domestic affairs and exploiting the cases of influencers and writers for political gain. The Algerian government has yet to issue an official statement on the deportation row, but state-affiliated media have characterized France’s actions as a continuation of colonial arrogance.
With no immediate resolution in sight, the dispute threatens to deepen the rift between Paris and Algiers. Experts warn that without meaningful dialogue and efforts to address underlying issues, the two nations risk further escalation, with potential consequences for their respective domestic and international agendas. As Beauregard concluded, “This is not just a bilateral issue; it’s a reflection of the broader challenges facing Europe and North Africa in navigating post-colonial realities and a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.”
