France has reinstated its ambassador to Algeria in an effort to de-escalate strained relations between the two countries. The envoy was recalled over a year ago following disagreements concerning Western Sahara.

France has sent back its ambassador to Algeria in a bid to ease tensions between Paris and its former North African colony. The envoy was recalled more than a year ago after relations between the two countries soured over France’s decision to back Moroccan sovereignty over the disputed Western Sahara.