Overview

• French President Emmanuel Macron and Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune held a phone call on March 31, marking the first direct communication between the two leaders in eight months.
• The leaders discussed their strained bilateral relationship and expressed a mutual desire to renew constructive dialogue, according to a joint statement.
• Diplomatic tensions were triggered in July 2024 by Macron's support for Morocco's Western Sahara autonomy plan, a stance opposed by Algeria.
• French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot is scheduled to visit Algeria on April 6 to resume diplomatic discussions and explore paths to reconciliation.
• Despite recent progress, unresolved issues, including Tebboune's uncertain visit to France and broader political disagreements, continue to challenge the relationship.