Date: May 16, 2026 l By Jan Porch
France’s Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin is set to visit Algeria next week as Paris and Algiers continue efforts to repair diplomatic relations strained by disputes over Western Sahara, migration and the detention of a French journalist.
French officials confirmed Saturday that Darmanin’s trip will focus on rebuilding judicial cooperation between the two countries following months of political tension. The visit also comes amid growing pressure from press freedom organizations demanding the release of French journalist Christophe Gleizes, who remains imprisoned in Algeria.
According to Darmanin’s office, the purpose of the visit is to “open a new chapter in judicial cooperation” between France and Algeria after diplomatic relations deteriorated sharply in 2024.
Gleizes, a 37-year-old French reporter, was arrested in Algeria in May 2024 while covering a football club in the Kabylia region. Algerian authorities later sentenced him to seven years in prison on charges related to “glorifying terrorism,” allegations that have been strongly criticized by media rights groups and international observers.
The journalist’s detention has become one of the most sensitive issues affecting relations between the two countries. French officials indicated that Gleizes’ situation would be a major subject during Darmanin’s meetings with Algerian authorities.
Relations between France and Algeria worsened significantly after Paris formally endorsed Moroccan sovereignty over the disputed Western Sahara territory in 2024. Algeria strongly opposes Morocco’s position and supports the Polisario Front, the pro-independence movement seeking self-determination for the region.
The diplomatic fallout triggered a freeze in several areas of bilateral cooperation, including security coordination and political exchanges. France eventually recalled its ambassador from Algiers during the height of the dispute.
However, both governments have recently shown signs of reconciliation.
Earlier this year, France and Algeria agreed to restart security cooperation following meetings between senior officials from both countries. French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez traveled to Algiers in February in what analysts described as the first major step toward easing tensions.
Additional diplomatic contacts followed in recent weeks, including meetings involving French Deputy Defense Minister Alice Rufo and Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. France has also returned its ambassador to Algeria after nearly a year away from the post.
Meanwhile, Gleizes recently received his first diplomatic visit since being detained nearly two years ago, fueling speculation that negotiations over his possible release may be advancing. According to reports, the journalist has dropped his appeal before Algeria’s highest court in hopes of receiving a presidential pardon.
His mother expressed optimism this week that “very positive developments” regarding her son’s return to France could happen before the end of May.
France and Algeria share a deeply complex relationship shaped by colonial history, migration ties and regional security concerns. Although both countries maintain strong economic and political connections, tensions frequently resurface over historical grievances, immigration policies and competing regional alliances.
Darmanin’s upcoming visit is now being closely watched as a possible turning point in efforts to normalize relations between the two governments while resolving one of the most politically sensitive detention cases involving a French citizen in North Africa.