The French Ministry of the Interior announced on Sunday, January 11, 2026, the arrest of 12 people of Algerian origin following riots targeting security forces in several French cities on Saturday evening. The riots erupted after the Algerian national team's defeat to Nigeria in the quarterfinals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, held in Morocco.
Details of the Events and Nature of the Riots: According to a statement issued by the Ministry and reported by French media, groups of Algerian supporters gathered in several cities (including Paris, Marseille, Lyon, and Lille) to watch the match. After Algeria's elimination, some gatherings turned violent, including the throwing of fireworks and other projectiles at security forces, as well as damage to public and private property and traffic disruptions.
The Ministry of the Interior confirmed that the security intervention was carried out in accordance with established procedures and that police and gendarmerie forces successfully dispersed the gatherings without any injuries to officers, despite being subjected to direct attacks. Twelve people, mostly of Algerian origin, were arrested and immediately referred to judicial investigation on charges related to violence against security forces, disturbing public order, and unauthorized assembly.
Preemptive Directives from the Interior Minister Before the Match
These events were preceded by urgent directives from the French Interior Minister to regional governors, calling for heightened security measures in anticipation of any potential disturbances that might accompany public gatherings related to the Africa Cup of Nations matches. These instructions came after security services observed that some previous celebrations by Algerian national team supporters had deviated from their sporting nature and turned into acts of chaos in major cities during earlier matches of the tournament.
The directives emphasized the mobilization of all available resources, including coordination between the police, gendarmerie, and local forces, with a focus on preventing the use of prohibited pyrotechnics, the illegal occupation of public spaces, and the obstruction of traffic. They also stressed the immediate and firm prosecution of all those involved in acts of rioting or violence.
A Sensitive Context: The Intertwining of Security, Immigration, and Franco-Algerian Relations
This incident occurs within a sensitive domestic context in France, where issues of public security, immigration, and integration intersect with the strained relations between Paris and Algiers. Over the years, France has witnessed frequent incidents of rioting linked to matches of the Algerian national team, particularly within the context of political and symbolic tensions between the two countries. This has prompted authorities to adopt a more proactive and stringent security approach since the start of the tournament.
In conclusion, these arrests reflect the ongoing security challenges associated with major sporting events in France, with authorities emphasizing their commitment to the strict and impartial application of the law in an effort to prevent sporting celebrations from becoming security or political challenges.
