The Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has called in the charge d’affaires of France’s embassy in Algiers on Saturday, January 24, after an episode of France 2’s “Cold Case,” an investigative reporting series, “on the secret war between France and Algeria,” was aired by France 2, offending the Algerians who stated that such reports were based on
“distorsions with an aim of creating tensions between France and Algeria.”
The diplomatic act occurred against the backdrop of existing tense relations between Algiers and Paris, which have been deteriorating following Algeria’s decision to suspend a 2021 friendship treaty and on various other occasions due to migration and trade problems, as well as political grievances and reconciliation over the years. Algeria has been accusing French authorities and governments of neo-colonialism and interference, as well as political oppression and violation of human rights by Algiers. The broadcast was therefore seen as yet another effort by Paris to subject Algiers to pressure from the French media and political circles.
The episode had, prior to transmission, also come under heavy criticism. Algeria’s official news agency, APS, issued a strong commentary on Thursday, where concerns had been raised regarding France 2’s trailer for the episode. They issued severe condemnation of the program, which, according to APS, “has opted for the most rancid tenets of the French far right,” suggesting that it was an intentionally ‘detractive’ narrative aimed at targeting Algeria. APS’s statement was carried out across various Algerian media outlets, attracting further attention to the program.
APS also targeted important figures that appear in the trailer, including Xavier Driencourt, who was the French representative to Algiers. APS described him as
“a restless individual suffering from a genuine obsessive pathology called ‘Algeria.’”
Furthermore, APS also targeted Amir Boukhors, also known by his stage name Amir DZ, who also appears in the trailer. Amir Boukhors is also an controversial figure, especially among Algeria’s opposition. APS described him further as
“a drug dealer, blackmailer, illiterate, and thug with no training or intellectual legitimacy”
and targeted France 2 for featuring him, an individual who is not credible.
Despite the criticism, the show was wildly popular in Algeria, partly because of a public eager to know what was behind the official uproar. Ironically, the former ambassador featured in the promotional clip did not even make it into the final broadcast. The episode did, however, feature a segment with Amir DZ, where he called Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune a “thug,” which likely poured fuel on the fire and largely explains the government’s severe response.
While announcing the statement, Algeria’s Foreign Ministry referred to it as
“a web of deeply offensive and needlessly provocative falsehoods,”
and also issued an aggressive description by calling it
“a genuine act of aggression against the Algerian state, its institutions, and symbols.”
Algeria has also taken this matter up with regard to the French government. In the statement, Algeria has referred to France 2
“as an institution that would never have authorized such an attack without the complicity, or at very least, the approval of its public authorities.”
The statement issued by Algeria, on one hand, reveals that Algeria believes that French media and political organizations tend to act together for an aggressive attitude against Algeria.
Background of the Issue: A History of Friction
The current crisis is rooted in a long history of colonial occupation, war, and unresolved political trauma. Algeria was colonized by France in 1830 and gained independence after a brutal eight-year war that ended in 1962. The legacy of colonialism continues to shape Algeria-France relations, with recurring disputes over historical memory, official apologies, and recognition of past crimes. The 1962 Evian Accords ended the war but left deep scars that persist in political and social discourse.
In the past few years, levels of hostility have been rising due to some serious issues. Firstly, Algeria has accused France of meddling with Algeria’s internal affairs and has favoured opposition parties operating inside Algeria. Conversely, France has also accused Algeria of violating civil liberties including freedom of expression and dissent. In 2021, Algeria suspended a friendship treaty with France regarding their diplomatic row over comments made by French President Emmanuel Macron regarding colonial-era Algeria. Furthermore, migration has also been another controversial issue between the two nations. Algeria has accused France of turning migration into a political tool.
The Broader Context of Media and Propaganda
The controversy, however, cannot be understood without paying consideration to the problematic role that media plays in North Africa. Indeed, in recent history, Algerian media in the country has come to serve often in a way to defend against external attacks and aggression against its government. The media in France, operating notably under France 2, receives public funding, thus it cannot claim impartiality in its coverage.
The conflict may have been an aspect of the larger global phenomenon in conflict reporting and information wars that have come with politicized media around the world. The countries have been embroiled in an information war with each trying to alter public opinion at home and abroad through the use of media outlets. The France 2 incident was not only meant for public consumption but was a deliberate strategy by France in its attempts at discrediting the Algerian position and instigating public distrust in the government, as perceived by the Algerians.
What Comes Next?
The diplomatic summons indicates that Algeria is likely to maintain a hardline stance, and further measures could follow. Such actions could include additional restrictions on French media operations, tighter controls on French diplomatic activity, or increased scrutiny of French cultural and economic ties. France, for its part, may choose to defend its media independence while attempting to prevent a further escalation.
The episode has also raised questions about the future of Franco-Algerian relations, particularly at a time when Algeria is seeking to expand its regional influence and diversify its international partnerships. With both countries facing domestic political pressures, the media dispute may be a prelude to deeper diplomatic confrontation.
