It was a blanket of silence and caution that covered the news. The Franco-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal would have been arrested: the news made a lot of noise but its echo was suffocated once it reached the corridors of power. Lapidary comment, Thursday evening, from the leaders of the State. Emmanuel Macron is “very worried about his disappearance” and “expresses his unshakable attachment to the freedom of a great writer and intellectual”, cautiously distills those around him. For the rest, it should be noted that state services are mobilizing to “clarify” the situation.
Silence also on the part of Michel Barnier’s government. No press releases, no tweets, nothing. Not even the beginning of a response to text messages on the subject, coming from the cabinet. Neither Rachida Dati from Culture nor Jean-Noël Barrot from Foreign Affairs reacted. And for good reason, on Thursday evening, Matignon discreetly sent an instruction to all ministries according to our information: “No communication from members of the government on Boualem Sansal, at this stage. » And point out that the latter could prove to be “counterproductive”.
High tension between Paris and Algiers
In the political class there is greater concern for the 75-year-old award-winning author and holder of French nationality this year. The first of the socialists, Olivier Faure, salutes on “X” “the free spirit” of the “compatriot (…) who fought both corrupt power and Islamic terrorism” and calls for his release. Like the president of the RN deputies, Marine Le Pen, who denounces “an unacceptable situation”, and the former prime minister Édouard Philippe who, for his part, praises a writer who embodies “reason, freedom, humanism against censorship, corruption and Islamism”. “We must activate all means of pressure on Algeria”, says the head of the LR deputies Laurent Wauquiez.
Free spirit, link between Algeria and France, we are worried about the arrest of our compatriot #BoualemSansal who fought corrupt power as much as Islamic terrorism. I call on the French authorities to secure his release.…
— Olivier Faure (@faureolivier) November 22, 2024
What happened? According to the newspaper Le Monde, the Algerian authorities may have taken very badly the writer’s recent statements to the controversial Frontières media, believed to be close to the far right, taking up Morocco’s position according to which the Moroccan territory would have been cut off under French colonization for the profits of Algeria.
“Edizioni Gallimard, publisher of the literary work of Boualem Sansal since the publication of Barbarian Oath twenty-five years ago, express their deep concern over the arrest of the writer by the Algerian security services and call for the writer’s immediate release,” they wrote in a press release broadcast Friday afternoon.
This episode fits into a context of already significant tensions between Paris and Algiers. This summer, France recognized Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara, disputed between Rabat and Algerian-backed separatists. Visiting Rabat in October, Emmanuel Macron called for the opening of “a new chapter” in relations with Morocco. Statements that now make every exchange, even diplomatic, with Algeria complicated.
What are the implications of Boualem Sansal’s potential arrest for freedom of expression in Algeria?
Time.news Editor (TNE): Good morning, and welcome to our special interview segment! Today, we have the privilege of speaking with Dr. Amira Kader, an expert in North African literature and politics, to delve into the recent events surrounding the Franco-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Kader.
Dr. Amira Kader (AK): Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here, especially to discuss such an important topic.
TNE: Let’s start with the recent news about Sansal. Reports have emerged that he has potentially been arrested. What do you think this means for freedom of speech in Algeria and its implications for France-Algeria relations?
AK: Boualem Sansal is not just a renowned writer; he is a symbol of intellectual resistance against oppression. His potential arrest raises profound concerns about the state of freedom of expression in Algeria, especially under its current regime. For France, which has historical ties to Algeria, the situation creates a sensitive diplomatic dilemma. The French government’s cautious response reflects their apprehension about escalating tensions while needing to support an advocate for human rights.
TNE: Indeed, Emmanuel Macron has expressed worry about Sansal’s wellbeing. However, aside from his comments, the French government has been notably silent due to directives given to ministries. Why do you think that is?
AK: This silence signals a strategic approach. The French government may believe that any public outcry could further complicate diplomatic relations with Algeria, especially given the historical context marked by colonial tensions. Additionally, they likely worry about the possibility of escalating the situation in Algeria, where the government is increasingly resistant to external pressures. This cautious stance, however, can also be seen as a failure to stand firmly against censorship and oppression.
TNE: The reactions in France have been varied, with politicians from different parties expressing concern for Sansal’s situation. What does this bipartisan support signify?
AK: The bipartisan outcry is significant; it illustrates that Sansal’s plight transcends party lines and resonates with a broad spectrum of French political ideology. This collective concern reflects a shared recognition of the importance of intellectual freedom—not only for Sansal but as a universal principle. Figures from across the political spectrum, including those who might not typically align, are uniting in defense of human rights and freedom of expression, marking a critical moment in French political discourse regarding Algeria.
TNE: You mentioned the historical ties between France and Algeria. How might this context influence public perception of events like these?
AK: The historical narrative of the French-Algerian relationship is complex and often fraught with tension. Many people in France, particularly those of Algerian descent, might view Sansal’s situation through a lens of colonial history and the ongoing legacy of oppression. This historical perspective amplifies public sentiment around his arrest, as it sparks a general discourse on justice, human rights, and the need for a renewed dialog between the two nations. Public opinion could play a significant role in how the French government eventually reacts or strategizes in this situation.
TNE: Looking ahead, what action do you believe the international community should take regarding Boualem Sansal and similar cases of censorship and oppression?
AK: The international community must prioritize human rights and freedom of expression in all diplomatic discussions. A concerted effort to apply pressure on the Algerian government can be pivotal. This includes not only vocal support for intellectuals and writers but also establishing channels for dialog that can encourage reform and alleviate censorship in the arts and literature. Additionally, forming coalitions between nations to stand against oppression can amplify the message and bring about meaningful change.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Kader, for sharing your insights on this pressing issue. It’s crucial for us to remain vigilant and advocate for those who risk their freedom for the sake of their art and expressions.
AK: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this vital topic. Let’s hope for a swift and just resolution for Boualem Sansal and all those fighting for their voices.
TNE: That’s all for today. We appreciate your time and insights. Stay tuned for more on this and other stories as they develop.