Franco-Algerian relations have oscillated since independence between periods of appeasement and diplomatic tensions. Colonial heritage, questions of memory and political differences regularly fuel friction between Paris et Alger. The treatment of dual nationals constitutes a sensitive point in particular, as evidenced by the case Boualem Sansal which reignites tensions between the two nations.
An intellectual mobilization in the face of the imprisonment of a writer
The arrest of the Franco-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal on November 16 in Algeria for “attack on the security of power » arouses great concern in French intellectual circles. Aged 80 and currently hospitalized in Algiers after the rejection of his request for release, the author of “2084: the end of the world” enjoys growing support. Major events were organized in Paris, including an evening at the Théâtre libre initiated by La Revue Politique et Parlementaire, followed by an exceptional session from the Aspen France Institute bringing together personalities such as Jean-Christophe Rufin, Boris Cyrulnik and Gaspard Koenig.
Pascal Bruckner denounces a “too weak” reaction from the authorities
In an interview given to L’Expressthe philosopher Pascal Bruckner sharply criticizes the reaction deemed insufficient by the French government to this situation. He recommends a firmer diplomatic approach, suggesting that an ultimatum should have been sent to Algiers as soon as the writer was arrested. For him, this detention represents a deliberate maneuver by the Algerian authorities to test France and sanction it, particularly in reaction to the changing positions ofEmmanuel Macron on the colonial question.
A call to overcome ideological divisions
The philosopher criticizes the tendency to analyze this affair solely through the prism of Franco-French debates. He deplores that certain intellectuals relativize the seriousness of the situation based on their ideological disagreements with Sansal, while the latter's life is threatened. Bruckner calls to transcend these divisions to concentrate efforts on the release of the writer, believing that only constant international pressure will be able to influence the Algerian authorities. This mobilization must, according to him, surpass the critical voices that he describes as «capitulardes» to build a united front against what he describes as “a clique of predators” in power in Algiers.
