The diplomatic spat highlights the fragility of Algeria-France relations rooted in historical grievances and recent political turmoil.
Algeria's Diplomatic Rifts Deepen as 12 French Officials Are Expelled
Algeria's Diplomatic Rifts Deepen as 12 French Officials Are Expelled
Tensions soar between Algeria and France following the expulsion of French diplomats amid allegations of kidnapping involving a political asylum seeker.
Algeria has expelled 12 French officials from its embassy and consulates in a drastic move that has reignited long-standing tensions between the two nations. The French diplomats, ordered to leave within 48 hours, are implicated in a diplomatic crisis exacerbated by an incident involving an Algerian official's arrest in France.
The expulsion follows the arrest of an Algerian agent in France, identified as being involved in the alleged kidnapping of an influencer, “Amir DZ,” who has been granted political asylum in France since 2023. Algeria’s official response condemns this as an affront to its sovereignty, asserting that the actions of the French official were aimed at undermining Algeria.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot responded firmly, stating that France is prepared to implement countermeasures if the decision is not reversed. This development marks a significant step back in the already strained relations, which have been fraught with conflicts over historical memories and contemporary political controversies.
The situation escalated after France rejected nine Algerian requests for extradition of Amir DZ, accused by Algeria of various crimes, including fraud and terrorism. “Neither society has truly moved on from the scars of the past,” explains Khadija Mohsen-Finan, an expert in North African politics, highlighting the vested interests that fuel ongoing tensions between the two nations.
Recently, attempts at diplomatic reconciliation were made through Barrot's visit to Algiers, following a phone conversation between President Emmanuel Macron and President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. However, these efforts have proved ineffective, particularly after Macron's controversial backing of Morocco's claims over Western Sahara, a point of contention with Algeria.
The case of Boualem Sansal, an Algerian writer recently arrested in Algiers, further complicates the prospect for improving relations, with Macron expressing outrage at the treatment of the detained author, emphasizing a growing divide that appears resistant to resolution. As the diplomatic spat deepens, both countries remain poised on a precipice, with advocates on both sides intent on perpetuating the cycle of conflict.
The expulsion follows the arrest of an Algerian agent in France, identified as being involved in the alleged kidnapping of an influencer, “Amir DZ,” who has been granted political asylum in France since 2023. Algeria’s official response condemns this as an affront to its sovereignty, asserting that the actions of the French official were aimed at undermining Algeria.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot responded firmly, stating that France is prepared to implement countermeasures if the decision is not reversed. This development marks a significant step back in the already strained relations, which have been fraught with conflicts over historical memories and contemporary political controversies.
The situation escalated after France rejected nine Algerian requests for extradition of Amir DZ, accused by Algeria of various crimes, including fraud and terrorism. “Neither society has truly moved on from the scars of the past,” explains Khadija Mohsen-Finan, an expert in North African politics, highlighting the vested interests that fuel ongoing tensions between the two nations.
Recently, attempts at diplomatic reconciliation were made through Barrot's visit to Algiers, following a phone conversation between President Emmanuel Macron and President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. However, these efforts have proved ineffective, particularly after Macron's controversial backing of Morocco's claims over Western Sahara, a point of contention with Algeria.
The case of Boualem Sansal, an Algerian writer recently arrested in Algiers, further complicates the prospect for improving relations, with Macron expressing outrage at the treatment of the detained author, emphasizing a growing divide that appears resistant to resolution. As the diplomatic spat deepens, both countries remain poised on a precipice, with advocates on both sides intent on perpetuating the cycle of conflict.
