Has Tebboune Distanced Himself from the Imam of the Paris Mosque to Avoid a New Crisis?

19th January 2025

2 minutes read

Has Tebboune Distanced Himself from the Imam of the Paris Mosque to Avoid a New Crisis?

A report reveals that the Algerian president has severed ties with the Imam of the Grand Mosque of Paris as French authorities prepare to investigate the religious institution.

Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has reportedly cut ties with the Imam of the Grand Mosque of Paris, Chems-Eddine Hafiz, despite their close relationship. This surprising decision comes as Hafiz faces accusations of inciting opposition to Tebboune’s policies, allegations he denies. The move reflects Algeria’s intent to contain the controversy sparked by French reports alleging that the Mosque serves Algeria’s regime and seeks to destabilize France amid escalating tensions between the two nations.

The “Maghreb Intelligence” website reports that Tebboune made this decision after Algerian intelligence informed him that French authorities planned to investigate the Mosque’s connections and funding.

According to the source, French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau ordered a comprehensive audit of the Grand Mosque’s affairs, with expectations that the French government may seek to control the institution. Many activists and organizations have alleged that the Mosque has been used to enhance the Algerian regime’s image.

A recent article by the French newspaper Le Point revealed that “under the leadership of Chems-Eddine Hafiz, the Grand Mosque of Paris has taken on an increasingly political role in France,” describing the institution as “a symbol of the Algerian regime.”

The newspaper referred to the Mosque as “Algeria’s second embassy in Paris” and even suggested it could act as a diplomatic channel between Paris and Algiers to ease bilateral tensions.

Maghreb Intelligence reported that Hafiz was apprehensive about the impending French investigation, adding that he attempted to contact Tebboune to request high-level intervention with President Emmanuel Macron, seemingly to close the case.

An informed source indicated that Tebboune refused to respond to Hafiz’s calls, suggesting that the Algerian president sought to avoid further straining relations with Paris, which are already fraught with disputes, particularly regarding the colonial era’s historical memory.

French-Algerian relations worsened after Algeria ignored calls to release writer Boualem Sansal, imprisoned for over two months on charges of treason after his televised remarks validating historical documents proving Moroccan territories were annexed during colonial rule.

Meanwhile, French authorities recently detained three Algerian influencers who posted videos on social media inciting protests against worsening economic and social conditions in Algeria as part of the #Manich_Radhi campaign, seen as a significant threat by the Algerian regime.

Observers find a thaw in relations between France and Algeria unlikely, especially as Algerian diplomacy remains reeling from France’s recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over its Sahara and the strengthening of strategic ties between Paris and Rabat. During his historic visit to Rabat last October, President Emmanuel Macron pledged to support Morocco’s cause in international forums during discussions with King Mohammed VI.