Serious concerns in Paris over a possible arrest of Boualem Sansal in Algeria

Was the Franco-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal arrested upon his arrival in Algiers from Paris last Saturday? His publishers and several of his relatives in France are worried, having not heard from him for six days. According to our information, the French embassy and consulate in Algiers are also seeking to clarify his situation.

Boualem Sansal, 75 years old, novelist and essayist censored in Algeria for his writings which are very critical of the power in place, travels regularly between Algeria and France, of which he recently obtained nationality. For reasons linked to his wife's health, he has settled there more permanently in recent times, but continues to come and go between the two countries. The subject of strong criticism in the upper echelons of power, but a personality known and appreciated by the population, Sansal lives in the modest town of Boumerdes, 45 km east of Algiers, without having until now had any trouble with the authorities. According to a source in Paris with relays in Algeria, his house in Boumerdes remains closed, door and shutters closed.

Tensions between Paris and Algiers

Boualem Sansal reportedly took off from Paris last Saturday in the company of a French or Franco-Algerian journalist whose identity has not been confirmed. He has not given any news since their landing either. From sources not officially confirmed at this stage, they were arrested at Algiers airport and their cell phones no longer respond, presumably disconnected.

Jean-François Colosimo, editor of his latest book, “The Frenchman, let’s talk about him!” (The Deer) said to himself “more than worried”. Arnaud Benedetti, editor-in-chief of the Political and Parliamentary Review, to which Boualem Sansal collaborates, also tweeted his concern, calling “France to react” if the information is confirmed.

If the writer is detained by the Algerian Sûreté, as those close to him suspect, the Élysée and the Quai d'Orsay should not fail to ask the Algerian government for explanations. This would be the latest episode in an increasingly tense relationship between Paris and Algiers, particularly since the recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara.