The Franco-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal has disappeared in Algeria since his arrival there on Saturday November 16. He has always been very critical of the government in place in the North African country, which has raised fears of reprisals.
A worrying disappearance. Boualem Sansal, a 75-year-old writer, has disappeared since his departure for Algiers on November 16. He would have given no further news to those around him or to his publishers since his flight to the Algerian capital.
According to the media Marianne, Boualem Sansal was imprisoned by the local authorities. Indeed, the Algerian regime appears oppressive with writers using freedom of expression too freely for its taste. The writer had always refused to comply with threats after his writings on the Algerian political system.
Algeria tightens the screw
For several years, Algeria has been very critical of the authors. Indeed, the semi-presidential regime does not appreciate writers speaking on the government or the method of functioning of the country's politics.
Latest example with Kamel Daoud. On November 4, the Algerian writer received the Goncourt Prize. A first for an artist native to the country. In response, the government took legal action against him. The writer allegedly violated a rule that prohibits anyone from talking about the civil war in the media.
This disappearance is anchored once again in a context of increasing tension between Algiers and Paris. If the writer was really detained by the Algerian authorities, the Élysée or the Quai d'Orsay should react shortly.
