France Raises Alarm Over Missing Algerian Writer Boualem Sansal

French President Emmanuel Macron and other politicians express worry for the safety of the outspoken critic of the Algerian regime.

 

French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed deep concern over the disappearance of Boualem Sansal, the Franco-Algerian novelist who has not been heard from since he arrived in Algiers last Saturday. Reports from some French media outlets suggest that the 75-year-old writer was detained by Algerian authorities upon his arrival.

A spokesperson for the Elysée Palace stated that Macron is closely monitoring the situation and values Sansa's contributions to literature and free expression. Prominent figures from various political backgrounds have echoed these apprehensions, underscoring Sansal's vital role as a critic of the Algerian government and a fierce opponent of rising Islamism.

Former Prime Minister Édouard Philippe openly lamented the situation, highlighting that Sansal stands for freedom, reason, and humanism in the face of widespread censorship. In a similar vein, far-right leader Marine Le Pen praised him as a "fighter for liberty." The concern for Sansal's welfare originated from friends in Paris, who reported his phone was off and he had not returned to his home in Boumerdès.

The disappearance has raised the profile of other writers like Kamel Daoud, who recently received France's top literary award amid his own struggles against alleged defamation from the Algerian regime. Daoud has voiced his fears that Sansal was apprehended, emphasizing the perilous nature of being a writer in Algeria, where the government and extremist groups pose significant threats, often intertwining in their efforts to suppress dissent.

This troubling situation is contrasted with the recent diplomatic shifts made by Macron, leaning towards Morocco, which has sparked unease among Algerians. Many suspect that this diplomatic tension may intersect with the fate of writers like Sansal and Daoud, who confront the regime's discontent head-on.

Sansal, initially trained as a scientist and once employed in the Algerian interior ministry, has been critical of the government for years. His controversial statements, including those questioning Algeria’s historical sovereignty over specific territories, may have intensified the scrutiny he faces from officials. As both writers stand in opposition to censorship, their plight highlights the ongoing struggle for freedom of expression in Algeria.

With reports continuing to emerge, the international community remains on alert, pressing for transparency regarding Sansal's fate and reaffirming the essential rights of writers everywhere.