On July 18, 2026, French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu delivered a speech in Morocco that has been interpreted as undermining previous French promises to Algeria. The speech, which focused on strengthening Franco-Moroccan military cooperation, included statements that directly contradicted commitments made during Lecornu's visit to Algiers in early 2026.
During his visit to Algeria in February 2026, Lecornu had pledged to respect Algeria's sovereignty and to avoid any actions that could be perceived as favoring Morocco in the Western Sahara dispute. However, in his Morocco speech, Lecornu emphasized France's support for Morocco's autonomy plan for Western Sahara, a position that Algeria views as a direct challenge to its own stance on the issue.
The contradiction has sparked criticism from Algerian officials, who accuse France of duplicity. Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf stated that the remarks 'call into question the sincerity of French commitments.' The French government has not yet issued an official response to the backlash.
This development comes amid ongoing tensions between France and Algeria over historical and political issues, including colonial legacy and migration. The Western Sahara conflict remains a key point of contention between Morocco and Algeria, with France's shifting stance potentially complicating its diplomatic relations in the region.
