1992 Coup: the Algerian military asked for Mitterrand’s approval
A report on l’Express published on May 08, 2025 revealed that Algeria’s 1992 military coup occurred only after secret contacts with the French presidency, saying that the Algerian generals awaited, and received, approval from President François Mitterrand before halting the electoral process.
In the days following the first round of legislative elections in December 1991, the Islamist party FIS had secured a commanding lead. As tensions rose, French emissary Jean-Charles Marchiani, a former intelligence officer, held meetings in Algiers. He later recalled: “Entre le premier et le second tour, il y a des contacts […] entre les généraux et la France.”
While France officially maintained neutrality, key operatives, including Marchiani and General Philippe Rondot, made repeated visits to Algeria. According to Marchiani, “Mitterrand donne son accord, de manière sibylline mais très claire […] pour que le second tour n’ait pas lieu.”
On January 11, 1992, Algerian generals forced President Chadli Bendjedid to resign. The next day, tanks rolled into the capital. Notably, the generals had assured French officials they would “protect human rights, and the life of President Chadli,” because “he had a good relationship with Mitterands, and Hubert Védrine”, implying internal discussions of possible elimination, but they promised Mitterands to spare Chadli’s life.
France had long-standing ties with Algeria’s DRS intelligence services. Yves Bonnet, former head of the DST, praised his collaboration with General Smaïn Lamari, calling him a trusted source.
Despite DGSE recommendations to support the democratic process, the Elysée chose silence. The coup proceeded. What followed was the resignation of Chadli, the assassination of Boudiaf, and a decade-long civil war.
Abderrahmane Fares.
