France has expelled 12 Algerian diplomats in a reciprocal move after Algeria expelled 12 French officials, intensifying ongoing diplomatic tensions between the two countries. The initial expulsions by Algeria were reportedly in response to the arrest of an Algerian consular official in France, who was implicated in a 2024 kidnapping case involving anti-government influencer Amir Boukhors. Three Algerian nationals have been charged by French counterterrorism prosecutors in the case.
The French government condemned the arrest of the consular official as a violation of diplomatic conventions. In addition to the expulsions, France has recalled its ambassador to Algiers for consultations, criticizing Algeria for the “brutal deterioration” of bilateral relations. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot described Algeria’s actions as unjustified and called for balanced dialogue.
Tensions between France and Algeria have been escalating due to several factors, including France’s support for Morocco’s Western Sahara autonomy plan, which is opposed by Algeria-backed Polisario Front, and the arrest and sentencing of French-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal by Algerian authorities.
These developments have further strained the historically complex relationship between the two nations, rooted in Algeria’s colonial past under French rule. The situation remains fluid, with both countries expressing a desire to manage the crisis through diplomatic channels.
