France’s Consulate in Algiers: Didier Chabert Officially Succeeds Bruno Clerc

Didier Chabert has officially taken over France’s Consulate General in Algiers, beginning a new chapter for the diplomatic mission and the French community in Algeria. He succeeded Bruno Clerc after his appointment by decree on July 27 and took up his post on Sunday, Sept. 6.

Chabert arrived in the Algerian capital on Sept. 3. His first official appearance came alongside French Ambassador Stéphane Romatet at a reception marking China’s national day.

The new consul general brings extensive diplomatic experience. He served as France’s ambassador to Kosovo from 2016 to 2019 and became ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago in 2021. His predecessor, Clerc, had previously served as ambassador to Mozambique before taking charge of the consulate in 2023.

Clerc, 64, is leaving the post for retirement after nearly five decades in diplomacy. His departure marks the end of a long career in French foreign affairs. Chabert, also 64, studied at HEC Paris and Sciences Po Paris and graduated from the Averroès class of France’s National School of Administration in 2000.

After graduating from the ENA, Chabert served as second counsellor in Sofia from 2002 to 2006 before joining France’s permanent representation to the European Union in Brussels. He later became deputy permanent representative to the EU Political and Security Committee and first counsellor in Beirut in 2009. In 2012, he took charge of the Middle East directorate at France’s Foreign Ministry, a position he held for four years before becoming ambassador to Kosovo.