Tensions between Algeria and France have surged after Algeria asked twelve French embassy officials to leave the country, coinciding with charges against Algerians in France over the abduction of a prominent critic. French officials urge a reversal of the expulsion orders, marking a significant setback in diplomatic relations.
Rising Tensions: Algeria Orders Expulsion of French Diplomats Amid Political Strain
Rising Tensions: Algeria Orders Expulsion of French Diplomats Amid Political Strain
Algeria's diplomatic crisis with France escalates as twelve French embassy staff face expulsion following the indictment of Algerians in France related to a controversial abduction case.
Algeria has recently ordered twelve French embassy officials to vacate the country within 48 hours, a significant escalation in diplomatic tensions, according to France's foreign minister, Jean-Noël Barrot. The decision follows the indictment of three Algerians in France, including a consular official, accused of being involved in the abduction of Amir Boukhors, an outspoken critic of the Algerian government who has garnered an online following exceeding one million individuals. Boukhors, granted asylum in France this year, was reportedly abducted in 2024 and released shortly after, a case that has drawn considerable media attention.
In response to this diplomatic turmoil, Barrot has urged Algeria to reconsider the expulsion orders, emphasizing that France is prepared to react promptly if deemed necessary. The incident is unprecedented, as it marks the first occasion where French authorities have arrested an Algerian consulate employee, signaling a deeper rift as attempts to restore relations have faltered.
Complicating the situation further, the political environment in France has become charged, with right-wing politicians accusing President Emmanuel Macron of being too lenient towards Algeria. Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau recently stated he might resign unless a tougher stance is adopted, revealing internal political conflicts exacerbating international relations.
Boukhors, who has lived in France since 2016, is embroiled in a narrative of alleged misconduct, as Algerian authorities label him a "saboteur" with links to terrorist organizations. Despite Algeria issuing nine international arrest warrants against him for fraud and other charges, French courts have rebuffed calls for his extradition.
This incident occurs amidst a backdrop of an increasingly strained relationship characterized by various controversies, including the arrest of French-Algerian author Boualem Sansal and Algeria's diplomatic reaction after France's support for Morocco regarding the Western Sahara dispute.
On Monday, a French governmental source revealed that the twelve officials under threat of expulsion included personnel from the French interior ministry. Barrot issued a stern warning to Algeria, urging the nation to rescind the expulsion orders to avoid further diplomatic fallout, reiterating that the ongoing situation undermines diplomatic efforts previously aimed at easing tensions.
Algeria's foreign ministry has summoned the French ambassador, voicing strong objections to what they deemed an arrest conducted without proper diplomatic protocol, accusing it of derailing attempts at normalizing relations. Recent communications, including a phone call between Macron and President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, aimed at addressing rising tensions and revitalizing bilateral ties, cast a shadow over the developing crisis. Following an official visit from Barrot to Algeria in April, expectations were initially set for a "new phase" in relations, now threatened by this latest diplomatic confrontation.
