Algeria–France Tensions Escalate After French Navy Detains Algerian-Leased Ferry
Seizure of “El Venizelos” ship sparks diplomatic unease amid strained bilateral ties over immigration, history, and security cooperation.
Watan-Algerian–French relations have entered a new phase of tension following France’s detention of the ferry El Venizelos, which Algeria had leased to boost maritime travel during the busy summer season, largely due to high demand from Algerians living in Europe.
The ferry, with a capacity exceeding 2,000 passengers and 750 vehicles, was scheduled to sail from Marseille to Algeria. However, a sudden inspection by the French Navy uncovered what were described as “technical irregularities.” Citing the European “Paris Memorandum of Understanding,” French authorities barred the vessel from sailing.
While French officials have not explicitly linked the move to any political motives, the timing has raised serious questions, particularly as it comes amid diplomatic chill between the two countries. Tensions persist over migration policy, colonial memory, and security cooperation.
The incident revives debates about the fragile nature of Algerian–French ties, and raises concerns over how far the diplomatic escalation could go in the coming period.
