Algeria-France: after words, actions?

A large French delegation, led by Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne, is due to travel to Algiers at the end of October for a high-level Intergovernmental Committee.

What was supposed to be a simple "friendship visit by Emmanuel Macron to Algeria was an opportunity for the French president and his Algerian counterpart to set up a "renewed partnership", thanks to a document signed last August by the two Heads of State. A document which provided in particular for a biannual meeting between the French and Algerian presidents, within the framework of a “high council of cooperation” responsible for evading “bilateral, regional and international questions of common interest”.

In the meantime, a High Level Intergovernmental Committee (HLIC) is due to take place at the end of October. This committee was a joint commitment made by the two countries after the signing, at the end of 2012, of the Algiers Declaration on friendship and cooperation between France and Algeria. Next month will be the fifth session of the CIHN.

The subjects of immigration and visas on the table?

A CIHN which takes on particular importance after the Emmanuel Macron's trip to Algiers. France is therefore actively preparing for this event. According to Africa Intelligence, "Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne and the pillars of her government" will travel to Algiers to "set Emmanuel Macron's announcements to music in Algiers from August 25 to 27". On the menu of the discussions, chaired by Borne and by the Algerian Prime Minister Aïmene Benabderrahmane, indicates the newspaper, the themes of security and energy will be at the heart of the issues. According to the Algerian press, the immigration dossier should also be put on the table, and therefore that of visa quotas, whichEmmanuel Macron has already canceled for Tunis.

During the visit of his French counterpart, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune stressed the determination of Paris and Algiers to "move forward" and "intensify efforts to enhance relations between the two countries". . This happened, he said, through the relaunch of the CIHN, but also through that of the Joint Franco-Algerian Economic Committee, the Algerian-French Strategic Dialogue Committee and more frequent meetings between presidents.

Towards the revival of the Algerian-French Joint Economic Committee?

Precisely, the Algerian-French Joint Economic Committee (Comefa) could also be an issue during this new session of the CIHN. The Algerian press affirms that "everything leads to believe" that the revival of Comefa will be on the menu of Elisabeth Borne's visit to Algiers, the fifth session of the committee still not having been scheduled.

At the end of October, the French Prime Minister will therefore have a lot to do. On the substance, but also on the form: the head of government will have to form a solid delegation to show Algeria the importance it deserves. Sources close to Matignon claim that this delegation should be substantial and composed of important government figures. Because after the words, Paris must show that it wants to take action.