French authorities arrested another Algerian social media influencer on Wednesday, amid rising tensions between Paris and Algiers, confirmed Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau. The influencer, identified as Rafik M., allegedly incited violent acts in France through a TikTok post. Retailleau did not specify the location of his arrest.
This marks the latest in a series of detentions, with at least six Algerians arrested in France over the past month for allegedly calling for violence. One of the arrested, known as “Doualemn,” was deported to Algeria, only for Algerian authorities to return him to France, prompting a sharp response from Retailleau.
The latest arrests come amid escalating diplomatic tensions between France and Algeria, which worsened following President Macron’s reaffirmation of France’s support for Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara during a visit to the kingdom last year. The territory, a former Spanish colony, is controlled by Morocco but claimed by the Sahrawi separatists supported by Algeria.
Algeria has also been holding Boualem Sansal, a French-Algerian novelist, on national security charges since his November arrest at Algiers airport. Sansal is an influential figure in modern francophone literature.
Retailleau, a prominent right-wing politician, has accused Algeria of attempting to “humiliate France.” Meanwhile, the far-right in France is pushing for harsher measures, including canceling aid, cooperation agreements, and visa restrictions on Algeria. Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot warned that France may have to retaliate if Algeria intensifies its actions.
Algeria has denied France’s accusations, calling them a “campaign of disinformation.”
However, not all in France agree with Retailleau’s hardline stance. Former Foreign Minister Dominique de Villepin criticized the approach, claiming it risks further escalating tensions and undermines diplomatic efforts. In contrast, Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu has called for efforts to “rebuild the relationship” with Algeria, expressing regret over the Algerian government’s current actions.
Despite the tensions, Retailleau indicated that it is time for France to “normalize” relations with Algeria and move beyond past conflicts. The long-standing scars from Algeria’s 1962 war of independence from France remain a sensitive issue for both nations.