The head of the French historians’ committee, Benjamin Stora, has contradicted claims made by French Ambassador to Algeria Stéphane Romatet regarding the resumption of the joint committee’s work. Romatet’s recent interview, published Tuesday, July 14, 2026, by the “Sipstak” platform, gave the distinct impression that Algerian-French relations are moving in a positive direction, particularly concerning the sensitive issue of historical memory. This impression, however, has been directly challenged by the lead French historian involved in the bilateral discussions.
Ambassador Romatet stated in the interview, “I have not overlooked the issue of memory, which is necessary to heal the wounds of the past. It has been decided that the joint committee of historians will meet again to determine the next steps in this process.” This declaration from the French Ambassador suggested a clear path forward for the key historical discussions between the two nations. However, Benjamin Stora expressed notable surprise at these comments when contacted for clarification. Stora confirmed, “I have just read that (the interview of the French Ambassador to Algeria). But to my knowledge, there is no specific date for the resumption of the joint historians’ committee meetings.” He further added, “Unfortunately no. There is nothing to indicate that” regarding any concrete intentions from either party to reopen discussions on the memory file, directly refuting the ambassador's optimistic outlook.
Ambassador's Vision for Relations
French Ambassador to Algeria Stéphane Romatet outlined his vision for bilateral relations in the interview, emphasizing the critical need for the restoration of trust and the reactivation of diplomatic networks. He called for normal and swift communication, including an exchange of information on current crises and coordination within the United Nations, stressing that this should occur normally and without delay. The ambassador's statements aimed to portray a renewed commitment to strengthening ties.
The French diplomat placed at the top of the priorities the resumption of security and judicial cooperation between France and Algeria. He noted regional issues, particularly in the Sahel region, citing a mutual need for collaboration between both parties given their shared interests and challenges in the area. Romatet also addressed the issue of migration, a persistent point of discussion between the two countries, and the treatment of French companies operating in Algeria. He stated that French companies should be accorded the same status as other European companies operating within the Algerian market, implying a desire for equitable treatment. The ambassador candidly acknowledged that French companies currently do not receive treatment identical to their European counterparts, a point of concern for Paris.
Historians' Committee Stalemate
The joint committee tasked with addressing historical memory is comprised of French historians, led by Benjamin Stora, and Algerian historians, headed by Mohamed Lahcen Zeghidi. This committee was established with the ambitious goal of fostering a shared understanding of their complex and often painful common past, particularly focusing on the colonial era and the Algerian War. However, the work by this committee completely ceased following French President Emmanuel Macron’s decision to align with the Moroccan regime concerning the Western Sahara issue. This political development introduced a significant obstacle to the committee's efforts, effectively halting progress.
The memory file, a critical and sensitive aspect of Franco-Algerian relations, has remained closed for approximately two years since this key decision. In response to recent news regarding the committee and the ambassador's interview, the newspaper “Echorouk” contacted Benjamin Stora, who leads the French historians’ contingent within the mixed committee. Stora's remarks showed the ongoing impasse. The halt in the committee's activities shows a period of strained dialogue on historical issues between the two nations, despite the initial promise of reconciliation and shared historical understanding. The current lack of a scheduled resumption date, as indicated by Stora, suggests that the path towards reopening discussions on the memory file remains uncertain, despite recent statements from the French Ambassador to Algeria. This contradiction notes the disconnect between diplomatic aspirations and the practical realities on the ground concerning this key bilateral dialogue.
Lingering Diplomatic Issues
Various unresolved diplomatic issues continue to affect bilateral relations between France and Algeria, extending beyond the historical memory file. Among these, the "Renault Algeria" operation has remained out of commission for approximately six years, representing a significant economic and industrial setback for both sides. This prolonged inactivity shows deeper issues impacting economic cooperation.
Further complicating ties, the French judiciary has reportedly declined to release an Algerian consular employee who was imprisoned, a move described by Algerian officials as being outside diplomatic norms and a breach of expected international protocols. Concurrently, Algerian authorities have not shown enthusiasm for pardoning French national Christophe Guelez, who was convicted of imprisonment for supporting and praising terrorism, indicating a lack of reciprocal goodwill in judicial matters. Paris has also not responded to more than 60 judicial commissions of inquiry sent by Algeria concerning individuals accused of looting public funds. This lack of response from the French side on such a substantial number of inquiries further exacerbates tensions and points to a broader pattern of unresolved judicial and diplomatic friction hindering a full normalization of relations. These accumulated issues contribute to the complex and often challenging nature of the relationship between France and Algeria.
