Boualem Sansal Freed: A Diplomatic Breakthrough for France and Algeria

Thu Nov 13 2025 04:09:08 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

French-Algerian novelist Boualem Sansal has been pardoned by Algeria after nearly a year in custody, symbolizing a potential thaw in Franco-Algerian relations amid ongoing tensions. His release, driven by humanitarian concerns, has drawn positive responses from leaders in both countries.

Boualem Sansal, an 81-year-old French-Algerian novelist imprisoned for comments that undermined national unity, has been granted a pardon by Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune following diplomatic intervention by German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. The decision comes amidst a backdrop of rising tensions between France and Algeria, highlighting the complex diplomatic landscape between the two nations. French President Emmanuel Macron expressed gratitude for Sansal's release, indicating a potential shift towards improved relations despite ongoing challenges.

Almost a year to the day since French-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal was arrested on arrival at Algiers airport, the Algerian presidency has granted him a pardon and allowed him to leave the country.

Sansal, 81, has been at the centre of a bitter diplomatic row between Paris and Algiers and President Abdelmadjid Tebboune's decision came in response to a direct approach from German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

The writer was said to be en route to Germany on a military plane on Wednesday evening, and his release was met with widespread relief.

French President Emmanuel Macron, who spoke to Sansal by phone, said France had used respect and calm to bring about his freedom.

I thank President Tebboune for this act of humanity, said Macron.

Although Paris had for months sought to lower tensions with Algeria, it was the German president's role that secured Sansal's release because of his good relations with Algeria's leader.

Élysée Palace sources told French media that Frank-Walter Steinmeier had acted as a trusted third party rather than just a mediator.

Steinmeier said this week he had asked President Tebboune to pardon Sansal, given his advanced age and fragile health, so the writer could receive medical treatment in Germany.

Tebboune said on Wednesday he had decided to respond favourably to Steinmeier's request because of its nature and humanitarian motives.

Sansal is being treated for prostate cancer.

He was given a five-year jail sentence in July for undermining national unity with remarks that questioned Algeria's borders.

The novelist has long been a critic of Algeria's government, which had not responded favourably to France's appeal for clemency.

Relations had already been on the slide after President Macron announced France was recognising Moroccan sovereignty of Western Sahara and backed a plan for limited autonomy for the disputed territory.

Algeria backs the pro-independence Polisario Front in Western Sahara and is seen as its main ally.

The spat worsened in April when Algeria expressed outrage after one of its consular staff in France was arrested over the kidnapping of a government critic in Paris.

Some French commentators and political figures blamed what was seen as a confrontational stance to Algeria taken by right-wing former Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau and others on the right of French politics.

Despite the positive development with Sansal's release, tensions remain high, as illustrated by the recent jailing of French sportswriter Christophe Gleizes.