Rotaillou: My first decision at the Élysée Palace will be “Algeria”! Copy link

Algeria–U.S. relations are not a recent construct. They date back to 1793, when President George Washington dispatched a diplomat to negotiate a Treaty of Friendship and Commerce with the Dey of Algiers. The pact, signed two years later, laid the first stones of a long trajectory of cooperation.

Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau was received with full honors at El Mouradia Palace, meeting the President of the Republic and ministers of foreign affairs, external trade, energy and mining, and agriculture.

Talks centered on promising investment opportunities, trade cooperation, as well as shared security concerns and the situation in Western Sahara — reflecting a mutual will to broaden the scope of partnership.

Landau voiced his country’s anticipation of welcoming Algeria’s national team at the World Cup this summer, a friendly gesture that underscores warmth in ties and opens new avenues for cultural and sporting rapprochement.

استقبل الرئيس عبد المجيد تبون نائب الأمين العام لانداو والجنرال أندرسون.

وتركزت المحادثات على تعزيز العلاقات الثنائية ودعم الأولويات المشتركة، مع التأكيد على توسيع التعاون بما يخدم الاستقرار والازدهار على المدى الطويل. 🇩🇿🤝🇺🇸

Deputy Secretary Landau and General Anderson were… pic.twitter.com/5IO9cX4ZGL

— US Embassy Algiers (@USEmbAlgiers) April 28, 2026

The visit carried a dual dimension invoking history in which landau stated “In 1793, President George Washington sent a diplomatic envoy to negotiate a Treaty of Friendship and Commerce with the Dey of Algiers, which was signed two years later.” that affirms Algeria’s stature as an ancient nation, and projecting a present that unlocks wide doors for renewed economic and security partnerships with Washington.

Ségolène Royal, President of the France-Algeria Association, has issued a scathing response to recent statements by former Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau. Retailleau’s tenure was characterized by a stance perceived as hostile, fueling significant tensions in bilateral relations. This reaction follows President Emmanuel Macron’s recent dismissal of those advocating for a diplomatic break with Algiers, whom he labeled as “madmen” (mabouls).

#Algerie La stratégie de tension avec l’Algérie prônée par @Retailleau est contraire aux intérêts de la France et des Français. Pour grappiller les voix des nostalgiques de l’Algérie Française. Conséquences : échec sur les OQTF ; recul des partenariats énergétiques (gaz) et… https://t.co/UIxgOduRWI

— Ségolène Royal (@RoyalSegolene) April 29, 2026

In a high-profile message, Royal asserted that the escalation strategy championed by Retailleau undermines the strategic interests of both France and its citizens. She argued that such a maneuver is primarily designed to appeal to those nostalgic for “French Algeria.”

روايال 🇫🇷 تفتح النار على روتايو : مهووس بمعاداة الجزائر 🇩🇿 ! https://t.co/PzHXSX2tJD

— بوابة الجزائر – Algeria Gate (@algatedz) April 29, 2026

The head of the France-Algeria Association further highlighted the tangible failures resulting from this adversarial approach. She noted a decline in the enforcement of Obligation to Leave French Territory (OQTF) orders, as well as a setback in energy partnerships—particularly in the gas sector—and economic ties. These losses, she pointed out, have benefited Italy, which has now overtaken France as Algeria’s primary European partner. Additionally, Royal warned of weakened intelligence cooperation regarding counter-terrorism efforts in the Sahel region.

Furthermore, Royal suggested that Retailleau’s position is consistent with his political trajectory. She described his “anti-Algerian obsession” as a continuation of his support for legislation during Nicolas Sarkozy’s presidency that highlighted the “positive role of colonization.” According to Royal, this stance ignores the millions of victims and displaced persons across Francophone Africa, particularly in Algeria—an ideological direction she deems “dangerous.”

Ségolène explique. Pourquoi la réconciliation avec l’Algérie est indispensable pour la France. Et pour la paix.
Les nostalgiques de l’Algérie colonisée agissent contre nos valeurs.
C’est mon devoir de le dire en tant que présidente de l’association France Algérie créée sous… pic.twitter.com/iBHQKSsLOn

— Ségolène Royal (@RoyalSegolene) April 29, 2026

In conclusion, Royal contended that if Algeria truly resembled the image depicted by Retailleau, the Pope would not have conducted such a significant visit or paid such a global tribute to the country. She called for a pivot toward dialogue to build “intelligent and mutually beneficial partnerships,” especially for the younger generations on both sides of the Mediterranean, who should not have to bear the burden of what she described as “toxic” and “outdated” hostility.

NASA astronaut Jessica Meir has sparked global admiration for Algeria’s natural beauty after sharing a series of
breathtaking images captured from the International Space Station ISS. In a
tribute to the country’s unique geography, Meir described her transit
over Algerian territory as an experience akin to visiting a world-class art museum.

The images, captured in
late April 2026, highlight the stunning geological diversity of the Algerian
Sahara. From the intricate, surreal rock formations of the Tassili N’Ajjer plateau to
the sweeping golden dunes of the Grand Erg, the photographs highlighted why
Algeria remains a premier subject for orbit photography.

Passing over Algeria on the @Space_Station always feels like a trip to an art museum. #EarthArt. Which one is your favorite? pic.twitter.com/sAn3Zce8vp

— Jessica Meir (@Astro_Jessica) April 27, 2026

” Passing over Algeria always feels like a
trip to an art museum.” Meir stated, emphasizing the vibrant contrasts
and abstract patterns that define the nation’s vast desert. As largest country in Africa,
Algeria offers a canvas of Earth art that continues to fascinate scientists and
artists alike.