In a digital age where narratives shape political realities, France is grappling with a rising tide of online propaganda originating from ultranationalist Algerian influencers. According to Politico, these social media personalities have rapidly gained traction by spreading anti-French rhetoric, exacerbating tensions between Paris and Algiers. The surge in nationalist sentiment has alarmed French authorities, prompting a series of arrests aimed at curbing online incitement.
Over the past few weeks, French law enforcement has detained multiple individuals accused of using social media platforms to glorify terrorism, incite violence, and, in some cases, intimidate opponents of the Algerian regime. Among them is an influencer known as Zazouyoucef, who amassed 400,000 followers before being apprehended for allegedly posting inflammatory content. Some of his videos referenced Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, raising suspicions that the surge in nationalist rhetoric is tied to Algeria’s political landscape.
French officials have been cautious in linking the phenomenon directly to the Algerian government. Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau acknowledged that while the influencers are capitalizing on existing Franco-Algerian tensions, there is no clear evidence of state coordination. A senior French security official, speaking anonymously, echoed this view, noting that Algeria lacks the infrastructure and expertise for a sophisticated online influence campaign. Nevertheless, the rapid growth of these nationalist accounts and their extensive reach have unsettled both policymakers and scholars.
The strained relationship between France and Algeria is rooted in the colonial past, particularly the brutal 132-year French rule that ended with Algeria’s independence in 1962. The wounds of history remain fresh, with unresolved grievances over wartime atrocities, migration policies, and the lingering effects of French nuclear tests in the Sahara. These unresolved issues provide fertile ground for nationalist narratives that resonate deeply with segments of the Algerian diaspora in France.
Historian Benjamin Stora, commissioned by President Emmanuel Macron to examine the legacy of French colonization, expressed concern over the growing nationalist fervor among Algerian social media users. “I have been surprised by the number of followers these influencers attract,” Stora told Politico. “Their message isn’t particularly sophisticated, but nationalism is at its core.” This surge in nationalist sentiment reflects a broader trend in which historical grievances are weaponized to shape contemporary political discourse.
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Adding another layer to the tensions, Algerian lawmakers have forcefully rejected a recent European Parliament resolution condemning the imprisonment of French-Algerian author Boualem Sansal. The 76-year-old writer, known for his critiques of Islam and the Algerian government, was arrested under the country’s anti-terrorism laws—statutes that human rights organizations argue are frequently used to silence dissidents. The European resolution, which also highlighted the cases of imprisoned journalist Abdelwakil Blamm and poet Mohamed Tadjadit, sparked an immediate backlash from Algeria’s political establishment.
In a joint statement, members of both chambers of the Algerian parliament denounced the resolution as a deliberate attempt to tarnish the country’s image. Their response mirrors past instances where former colonial powers have been accused of meddling in the affairs of post-colonial states. In 2023, Moroccan lawmakers similarly condemned the European Parliament for criticizing press restrictions and the imprisonment of journalists.
Beyond digital propaganda, the Franco-Algerian dispute extends into geopolitical and policy arenas. Paris and Algiers have clashed over migration policies, particularly repatriation agreements for undocumented Algerian nationals in France. Meanwhile, ongoing disagreements over Western Sahara and the legacy of French nuclear tests in the Algerian desert continue to strain diplomatic ties.
Despite these challenges, France remains wary of directly confronting Algeria over the rise of nationalist influencers. While the arrests signal a crackdown on digital extremism, officials have stopped short of attributing the phenomenon to an orchestrated state effort. Whether these measures will be sufficient to counter the influence of nationalist rhetoric or merely fuel further tensions remains an open question in this evolving political saga.
