There are heavy silences. And words merciless. Guest of Africa Radio Monday, June 23, Anissa Boumediene did not give way to any ambiguity when she was questioned about the spell of Boualem Sansal. The author of 2084incarcerated since last November and seriously ill, has become one of the symbols of the degradation of relations between France and Algeria. But for the former First Lady, the cause does not deserve to be pleaded. ” No way “she says when the journalist asks her if she calls for the release of the Franco-Algerian writer.
“Mr. Sansal said that Tlemcen belongs to Moroccans, that another city too … For me, that’s very serious”is indignant Anissa Boumediene, who was the wife of President Houari Boumediene. “Imagine that the Niçois, that the Constantine, preferred to be with the Italians”she continues. No mention of the age of the writer-80 years-, of his cancer, nor the call of the Quai d’Orsay, who, by the voice of Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, has been asking for several months “A gesture of humanity”.
Ten years in prison required
The Boualem Sansal trial, prosecuted for “Involvement in national unity” et “Diffusion of false information”opened Tuesday, June 24 before the Algiers Court of Appeal. Ten years in prison have been required against him.
The author’s support committee filed a complaint with the European Union mediator for « inaction ». But Algiers camps on his positions. And right, therefore, for Anissa Boumediene, who “Lives in France and is free there”, recalled the writer Kamel Daoud on X. The verdict concerning his friend Boualem Sansal is expected for July 1.
Another burning file between the two countries: Western Sahara. As a reminder, the thorny question of this former Spanish-colony has opposed Morocco for decades, which today controls 80 % of the territory and offers a plan of autonomy under its sovereignty, to the Saharawi independence from the Polisario Front-supported by Algiers-who call for a referendum of self-determination under the aegis of the UN. And there too, Paris is in wrong according to the former lawyer.
“Normal relations would first be, I think, neutrality”she says, while regretting that Emmanuel Macron supported Moroccan plan. For the former First Lady, the normalization of relations between Paris and Algiers cannot take place without a more balanced French position.
