In brief
Boualem Sansal, a 75-year-old Franco-Algerian novelist critical of the Algerian regime, has gone missing after flying to Algiers, raising alarm among French authorities and supporters. President Macron expressed concern over Sansal's fate, following reports that he may have been detained by Algerian police. Prominent French politicians echoed fears concerning Sansal’s well-being, as a backdrop of increasing censorship and tension develops in Algeria.
Boualem Sansal, a noted Franco-Algerian novelist, has vanished after his return to Algeria, triggering widespread concern, notably from French President Emmanuel Macron. Sansal, 75, known for his outspoken critiques of the Algerian government, was last seen when he landed in Algiers last Saturday. Reports from French media suggest that he may have been arrested by local authorities upon arrival. In light of this situation, a spokesman for the French president emphasized Macron's commitment to freedom and his dismay over Sansal's situation, stating that he is closely monitoring the developments. Prominent French political figures, including former Prime Minister Edouard Philippe and far-right leader Marine Le Pen, have expressed their worries, characterizing Sansal as a symbol of liberty and humanism against the backdrop of censorship in Algeria.Friends in Paris raised alarm when they could not reach Sansal, as his mobile phone went silent, and he failed to return home to Boumerdès. Support for Sansal also comes from fellow writer Kamel Daoud, another critic of the Algerian regime. Daoud has drawn attention to the dangers writers face in Algeria and speculated that Sansal has likely been arrested due to his outspokenness.Recent tensions between France and Algeria, particularly in response to Macron's pivot towards Morocco and the award of France's Prix Goncourt to Daoud, have intensified fears that the Algerian government may be retaliating against its critics. Meanwhile, allegations arise that Sansal's disappearance may relate to his recent comments questioning Algeria's historical territorial claims in light of its disputed borders with Morocco.As the situation continues to develop, no official statements have been made by Algerian authorities regarding the concerns raised by France. Amidst ongoing lawsuits targeting Daoud in Algeria, the backdrop of a potentially orchestrated campaign against dissenting voices becomes increasingly evident.
