France's Justice Minister Darmanin Visits Algeria to Revive Judicial Cooperation
Image: Algerie Eco
Takeaway
Increased judicial cooperation between Algeria and France could lead to more efficient asset recovery processes, potentially impacting individuals and companies previously operating in Algeria. International investors should monitor developments in extradition cases and regulatory enforcement, as these could signal a shift in Algeria's approach to combating corruption and attracting foreign investment.
French Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin arrived in Algiers on Monday, May 18, accompanied by a delegation of French magistrates, to meet with his Algerian counterpart, Minister of Justice Lotfi Boudjemaa. The visit aims to strengthen judicial cooperation between France and Algeria, which has faced strain in recent months. The discussions are expected to cover extradition requests, security coordination, and individual cases, including that of French journalist Christophe Gleizes, who is serving a seven-year prison sentence in Algeria. Stéphane Romatet, the French ambassador to Algeria, highlighted Darmanin's “familial” connection to Algeria, emphasizing the importance of the visit.
France and Algeria have a complex history, marked by Algeria's independence war and subsequent efforts to establish its national identity. Despite periods of tension, France has historically maintained a favored position in Algerian foreign relations. In February 2026, Algeria and France agreed to reactivate a high-level security coordination mechanism encompassing judicial, police, and intelligence cooperation. However, relations became rocky after France backed Moroccan sovereignty over the disputed Western Sahara region in 2024, where Algeria supports the pro-independence Polisario Front.
France and Algeria signed an extradition agreement on January 27, 2019, which France enacted via Law N 2021-302 on March 22, 2021, to enhance cooperation in combating crime. This agreement replaced the provisions of a prior agreement from August 27, 1964. The 2019 agreement aims to streamline the extradition process and facilitate the surrender of wanted individuals for prosecution or imprisonment. It also clarifies reasons for extradition refusal, particularly concerning the death penalty or severe consequences due to age or health, and simplifies procedures for tax offense extradition requests.
Algeria is seeking the extradition of individuals linked to corruption during the era of former President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, including ex-Industry Minister Abdessalam Bouchouareb, who has been sentenced in absentia to 15-20 years. Algeria is also pursuing the extradition of members of groups it designates as terrorist organizations, such as MAK and Rachad, as well as activists accused of undermining state institutions. France's support for Morocco's autonomy plan for Western Sahara has complicated relations, as Algeria backs the Polisario Front's quest for independence.
The visit by Minister Darmanin follows a meeting between Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and French Armed Forces Minister Alice Rufo, where they agreed to intensify cooperation on domestic security, defense, migration, and judicial matters, particularly drug trafficking. Ambassador Stéphane Romatet returned to his post after being recalled amidst the diplomatic dispute. The French government determined in 2021 to "drastically" reduce the number of visas issued to Algerian citizens. The success of Darmanin's visit will depend on concrete cooperation regarding corruption, terrorism, and judicial matters, as Algeria seeks tangible results beyond symbolic gestures.