France and Algeria resume Discreet Talks on Western sahara

Through the “Don’t forget Western Sahara” platform

French media Africa Intelligence revealed,in it’s October 17,2025 edition,a little-visible episode in international diplomacy: the “low masses” – these discreet conversations – between paris and Algiers in New York around the Western Sahara conflict. According to the publication, faced with the deterioration of bilateral relations and the absence of ambassadors in the two capitals, France and Algeria have renewed contacts on the sidelines of the United Nations, seeking points of convergence on an issue which has poisoned their relations for decades.

The Context: A Strained Relationship

Relations between france and Algeria have been significantly strained in recent years. This deterioration led to the recall of ambassadors from both countries in 2023, signaling a deep rift. The Western sahara dispute is a key factor in this tension. Algeria supports the Polisario Front,a Sahrawi independence movement,while France maintains close ties with Morocco,which claims sovereignty over the territory. The core of the dispute lies in the question of self-determination for the Sahrawi people and differing views on the legitimacy of morocco’s claim.

France’s Balancing Act

The Africa Intelligence report suggests that France is attempting a delicate balancing act. While publicly supporting Morocco’s efforts to revise its autonomy plan for Western Sahara – a plan that proposes self-governance under Moroccan sovereignty – French diplomats are simultaneously engaging with Algeria. This engagement appears to be aimed at preventing a complete breakdown in dialog with Algiers. The French strategy seems to be offering “guarantees” to Algeria, ensuring they aren’t entirely sidelined in the negotiations. This is highly likely to avoid further escalating tensions and maintain some level of influence in the region.

Diplomatic Channels

According to the report,the French ambassador to the United Nations,Jérôme Bonnafont,has been holding regular meetings with his Algerian counterpart,Amar Bendjama. These meetings serve as a channel for informing Algeria about ongoing negotiations concerning Western Sahara. This discreet dialogue is crucial, as it allows France to manage Algerian concerns and potentially explore areas of compromise. The UN plays a central role in mediating the Western sahara conflict, and these bilateral discussions are happening within that broader framework.

why This Matters

The resumption of these discreet talks is meaningful for several reasons. First, it indicates a willingness from both France and Algeria to prevent the complete collapse of their relationship. Second, it suggests that France recognizes the importance of Algerian perspectives on the Western Sahara issue.it highlights the complexity of the conflict and the need for continued diplomatic efforts to find a lasting solution. The Western Sahara dispute has been ongoing since 1975, when Spain withdrew from the territory, and a resolution remains elusive.

Key takeaways

• France and algeria have resumed discreet talks on Western Sahara on the sidelines of the united Nations.
• These talks are occurring amidst a period of strained bilateral relations, including the absence of ambassadors.
• france is attempting to balance its support for Morocco with the need to maintain dialogue with Algeria.
• The UN remains a central actor in mediating the Western sahara conflict.

Looking ahead, the success of these discreet talks will depend on the willingness of both France and Algeria to compromise. While a breakthrough is not guaranteed, the resumption of communication is a positive step towards de-escalating tensions and potentially finding a path forward in this long-standing dispute.