French-Algerian author Boualem Sansal has concluded a 10-day visit to Morocco, during which he made several statements that have sparked controversy. The visit, which began in the economic capital Casablanca, was seen as a cultural and literary tour, but it took a political turn when Sansal expressed his views on the current state of affairs in Algeria and Morocco. Sansal, a member of the French Academy, had been imprisoned in Algeria for a year before being released on presidential pardon.
During his visit, Sansal met with several Moroccan officials, intellectuals, and writers, and delivered a series of lectures and talks. He criticized the Algerian authorities, accusing them of being responsible for the ongoing tensions in the region. Sansal argued that the root causes of the tensions are not related to border disputes or geographical conflicts, but rather to the nature of the Algerian political system and the significant influence of the military on decision-making centers.
Sansal also praised Moroccan diplomacy, comparing it to the sport of judo, which requires flexibility, intelligence, and the ability to exploit the opponent's strength. He expressed admiration for the transformations that have taken place in Morocco in various fields, including economy, culture, science, and agriculture. Sansal noted that the country's development choices are beginning to bear fruit and that Morocco is moving in the right direction.
The author also spoke about his personal experience with imprisonment and trial in Algeria, expressing his refusal to accept the way his case was handled. Sansal stated that he would have preferred a public and transparent trial, where he could have defended himself and presented witnesses to prove his innocence. Instead, he was granted a presidential pardon, which he described as "cinematic."
Sansal announced that he intends to take legal action against some high-ranking Algerian officials at the international level. He also expressed his support for Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara, calling on Algeria to abandon its outdated approaches and engage in regional economic projects and logistics networks led by Morocco. During his visit to the city of Dakhla, in southern Morocco, Sansal was briefed on the construction of the Dakhla Atlantic port project.
Sansal's statements on the historical background of the border between Morocco and Algeria sparked a significant debate. He argued that regions such as Tlemcen, Bechar, and Tindouf were historically part of Morocco, before colonialism redrew the borders in a way that he considered unfair to Morocco. The author also met with students and academics at the University of Mohammed V in Rabat and the Euro-Mediterranean University in Fez.
The visit has sparked a mixed reaction in Algeria, with some critics accusing Sansal of interfering in the country's internal affairs. Sansal was arrested in Algeria in late 2024 and sentenced to five years in prison for undermining national unity. He was released on presidential pardon after less than a year, following a German mediation. Recently, he was elected a member of the French Academy.
Key points
- Boualem Sansal criticizes Algerian authorities during his visit to Morocco.
- Sansal expresses support for Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara.
- The author announces plans to take legal action against high-ranking Algerian officials.
