A documentary intensifies the crisis between France and Algeria
In a new episode of the complex relationship between Algeria and France, the Algerian media have launched a strong offensive against their French counterparts following the screening of a documentary that exposes alleged manoeuvres by the Algerian regime on French soil to put pressure on opponents and activists.
The documentary, entitled La nuit de vingt heures (The night of twenty hours), reveals methods used by Algerian intelligence to contact opponents exiled in France and persuade them to collaborate by providing information on other activists. In exchange, they would be offered the possibility of returning to Algeria without facing reprisals. The documentary also points out that the regime's operations go beyond influencing social networks, including direct actions on French territory to neutralise opponents.
One of the key testimonies is that of the opposition cartoonist Ghilas Ainouche, a refugee in France, who denounces pressure and threats from the regime. Ainouche claims to have received repeated offers from the Algerian authorities to cancel his ten-year prison sentence in exchange for his submission to the government. Other opponents have confirmed that they have been contacted with similar proposals.
The forceful response of the Algerian media
The reaction of the Algerian pro-government press was swift. The Algerian News Agency, together with other media such as Echorouk and Ennahar, described the documentary as ‘a vile conspiracy’ and accused the French media of promoting disinformation. The agency denounced the report as a ‘media scandal’ and lashed out at France Télévision, claiming that it ‘has descended to levels of information far removed from ethics and professionalism’.
The Algerian media have also emphasised that, although French criticism of the regime has been constant, Algeria's media institutions have so far distanced themselves. However, the broadcast of the documentary has led to a fierce response, with accusations that it is an orchestrated campaign to damage the country's image.
Diplomatic crisis worsens
The confrontation between the media of both countries comes amid strong tensions between Algeria and France that have increased in recent years, with disagreements over historical, political and economic issues. Algeria's decision to diversify its economic alliances and reduce its dependence on France has generated friction, and some sectors in Algiers accuse Paris of using the media to influence public opinion and destabilise the country.
Furthermore, Algeria has repeatedly accused media outlets such as Le Monde and France 24 of distorting the national reality and focusing on criticising the government on human rights and democracy issues. These media tensions tend to coincide with moments of diplomatic crisis, reinforcing the perception that information is a tool for political pressure.
While the traditional media clash, social networks have acquired a key role in the dissemination of opposing narratives. Influential accounts in Algeria have actively promoted the idea of a boycott of the French media, accusing them of distorting the reality of the country. At the same time, French digital platforms amplify the accusations against the Algerian regime, giving a voice to the opposition.
The conflict between the Algerian and French media is not just a dispute over the truth, but also an extension of the political and diplomatic tensions between the two countries.
