Algeria – France: “Libération” reveals the behind-the-scenes role of the Rector of the Great Mosque of Paris

Edited By: Africa Eye

In a detailed investigation published last Friday, the French daily Libération shed light on the discreet yet decisive influence of Chems-Eddine Hafiz, Rector of the Great Mosque of Paris, in shaping relations between Algeria and France. Although he holds no official diplomatic post, the paper describes him as “the de facto ambassador” of Algeria in Paris, citing his regular interactions with top decision-making circles and direct involvement in sensitive matters connecting El Mouradia to the Élysée Palace.

According to the report, Hafiz operates behind the scenes as an informal channel between the two presidencies, particularly on delicate security issues, such as the case of Algerian writer Boualem Sansal, which triggered significant bilateral tensions. Libération notes that Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune frequently meets with him, while French President Emmanuel Macron grants him special attention — awarding him several honors and inviting him to official events, including papal funerals in Rome.

The investigation also highlights the role of Mohamed Louhanki, Secretary-General of the mosque and a former member of Algerian intelligence (DRS), tasked with monitoring the Algerian diaspora in France. Until 2022, he remained under security watch and was denied French citizenship due to his alleged ties to Algerian security services, before later obtaining it.

On the economic front, Libération points to an Algerian presidential decree that, since 2023, grants the Great Mosque of Paris the exclusive monopoly to certify all halal products exported from the European Union to Algeria — a privilege generating millions of euros annually for the institution. This decision has drawn strong criticism in Europe, citing potential conflicts of interest and market distortion.

The report also retraces Hafiz’s professional career as a lawyer, representing numerous Algerian entities in France, from the embassy and consulates to Air Algérie. He has built a wide-reaching political network across the French political spectrum, including ties with former President Nicolas Sarkozy, whom Hafiz calls his “favorite” political friend.

The newspaper also revisits the dispute with former rector Dalil Boubakeur, who was forced to step down in 2020 after what was described as a “soft coup” orchestrated by Hafiz and Louhanki within the Association des Habous, the mosque’s legal managing body. While Hafiz denies granting any material benefits, Libération reports that Boubakeur now enjoys a comfortable retirement and a lifetime personal driver.

Built in 1926 to honor Muslim soldiers who fought alongside France during World War I, the Great Mosque of Paris has since become a crossroads of religion and politics, serving as an instrument of Algerian influence in the heart of Paris, backed by official funding and close ties between its leaders and Algiers.

Although Hafiz’s influence within French decision-making circles appears to have slightly declined, he still retains a key position in Algeria–France relations, amid growing questions over the mosque’s funding, halal certification privileges, and the political-religious role of Muslim leaders in France’s sensitive national context.