France’s Sahara Stance Strains Algeria Relations, Sparks Diplomatic Tensions

Algeria’s recall of its ambassador from Paris is just a step to reduce diplomatic representation. Algiers plans other more drastic measures against France. While it has not yet revealed these measures, Africa Intelligence estimates that it would not go so far as to take economic sanctions against Paris. Yet the levers of pressure it has are mainly related to trade relations, such as gas exports, agreements and investment projects linked to French investments on its territory.

Many reports point in the same direction, explaining that Algeria will rule out this option due to its double and non-unilateral effects, as Algiers would itself be affected if it stopped gas exports to France or suspended investment projects on its territory. The bitter experience Algeria had with Spain is not far away.

When it cut its trade relations and imposed restrictions on Spanish investments on its territory, Algiers had to face many consequences: shortages of many materials it imported from Spain, as well as the halt of many projects that Spanish companies were to carry out in Algeria.

If, despite everything, Algeria ventured to resort to economic sanctions against France, it would put the European Union against it. Brussels would be forced to intervene to defend one of its members. Moreover, there is already a dispute between the EU and Algeria. The European Commission has asked it in recent weeks to lift restrictions on trade relations with EU countries and end restrictions on European investments in Algeria. Brussels could therefore dissuade Algiers from taking economic sanctions against Paris.