France Voices Concern Over Disappearance of Algerian Writer Boualem Sansal

Boualem Sansal mysteriously vanished after arriving in Algeria, prompting significant concern from French political leaders, including President Emmanuel Macron, amid fears of government retaliation. His disappearance may be linked to an apparent crackdown on dissent in Algeria, particularly targeting writers.

France is alarmed by the concerning disappearance of Boualem Sansal, a prominent Franco-Algerian novelist known for his critical stance against the Algerian government. Having flown from France to Algeria last Saturday, Sansal has not been seen since, leading to speculations that he was apprehended upon arrival. French officials, including President Emmanuel Macron, have expressed anxiety about Sansal's well-being. An Elysée palace spokesperson highlighted the president's commitment to safeguarding the freedom of intellect, echoing sentiments from various French political figures who see Sansal as a beacon of reason and liberty against Islamism and corruption.

Friends in Paris first sounded the alarm as they found Sansal's mobile phone unresponsive and realized he had not returned to his home in Boumerdès. Former French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe and far-right leader Marine Le Pen have also voiced their worries, calling attention to Sansal's legacy of fighting against censorship and advocating human rights.

Among Sansal's supporters is fellow writer Kamel Daoud, another outspoken critic of the Algerian authorities. Daoud's recent legal troubles in Algeria, including accusations of stealing a story from a civil war survivor, have raised alarm about a potential governmental vendetta against dissenters. Daoud described the challenging landscape for writers in Algeria, where the regime's hostility paired with the rise of Islamism poses grave risks.

The situation appears particularly sensitive in light of President Macron’s recent warming of ties with Morocco, which has fueled speculation of a political motive behind Sansal's possible arrest. Reports suggest that Sansal's comments during a recent interview questioning Algeria's historical claims over certain territories may have led to heightened scrutiny from the government.

A significant figure in Algeria's literary scene, Sansal’s career began in science and transitioned to writing after a fallout with the government. His previous controversies, including participating in a book fair in Jerusalem, have made him a contentious figure within Algerian politics. Meanwhile, Kamel Daoud continues to navigate his own precarious situation, posturing that the pressures indicated a broader pattern of targeting intellectuals in Algeria, particularly amid contemporary political shifts.

As the investigation unfolds, France's calls for clarity on Sansal's fate underscore the deep political and cultural tensions between Algeria and its former colonial ruler, intensifying the spotlight on the state of freedom of expression in North Africa.