French Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin arrived in Algiers on Sunday for a two-day visit aimed at restoring judicial cooperation between France and Algeria, local media reported. The visit comes after nearly two years of strained relations, with key issues including extradition cases and consular matters at the forefront.
Darmanin was received at Algiers airport by his Algerian counterpart Lotfi Boudjemaâ, signaling a cautious but clear step toward renewed dialogue. Among the main topics discussed are the extradition of individuals convicted by Algerian courts, the recovery of illicit financial assets, and the case of an Algerian consular official detained in France for over a year. According to statements cited by France 24, the official has been granted visitation rights under judicial oversight, while Algerian authorities have allowed a French consular delegation to visit journalist Christophe Gleizes.
For Paris, the visit also aims to address several sensitive cases that have accumulated during the diplomatic freeze. These include the situation of Gleizes, who was sentenced to seven years in prison in Algeria on charges of “glorifying terrorism,” as well as requests related to alleged members of the so-called DZ Mafia believed to have sought refuge in Algeria. French officials view the trip as an opportunity to revive cooperation mechanisms that had been significantly slowed by political tensions.
The broader objective is to rebuild trust between the two countries after a prolonged crisis that disrupted not only judicial coordination but also wider diplomatic engagement. In a statement, the French Ministry of Justice stressed that restoring cooperation is essential, noting that security interests are closely linked on both sides of the Mediterranean. The ministry acknowledged that collaboration had been hindered by diplomatic disagreements, but expressed hope that renewed dialogue could overcome these obstacles.
The visit follows earlier efforts to normalize relations, including a February trip to Algiers by Laurent Nunez, which helped restart cooperation on security and migration issues after months of stagnation. Officials in both capitals now appear to be building on that momentum, with Darmanin’s visit representing a further step toward stabilizing ties and addressing long-standing judicial concerns.
Sami B. is the founder and editor of Algeria News Gate, an independent English-language platform covering Algeria’s political, economic, and business developments. Based in Europe, he reports on official announcements, economic trends, and international relations involving Algeria.