Algeria has ordered 12 French embassy officials to leave the country within 48 hours, escalating tensions between the two nations. This decision was announced by France’s foreign minister, Jean-Noël Barrot, who linked it to the recent indictment of three Algerians in France, one of whom works at the consulate.
The indicted individuals are accused of being involved in the abduction of Amir Boukhors, a prominent critic of the Algerian government. Boukhors, known as Amir DZ, has a significant online following and was granted asylum in France earlier this year. He was kidnapped in April 2024 but was released the next day. His lawyer described the incident as alarming, stating that Boukhors had faced previous attacks and was taken by individuals posing as police officers.
Barrot urged Algeria to reconsider the expulsions, warning that France would respond if the decision was upheld. This situation marks a significant moment in Franco-Algerian relations, as it is the first time French authorities have arrested an employee from the Algerian consulate. The fallout from this incident has overshadowed previous efforts to mend ties between the two countries.
Algerian authorities have accused Boukhors of being linked to terrorist groups and have issued multiple international arrest warrants against him. He denies these allegations, and French courts have previously rejected attempts to extradite him to Algeria.
The diplomatic spat comes amid a backdrop of strained relations, including the arrest of French-Algerian author Boualem Sansal in Algeria and Algeria’s recall of its ambassador from Paris over France’s support for Morocco regarding Western Sahara.
The officials expelled include members from the French interior ministry, highlighting the seriousness of the situation. Algeria’s foreign ministry has expressed strong protest over the arrest of the consular official, claiming it was done without proper diplomatic notification.
Recent communications between French President Emmanuel Macron and Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune had hinted at a thaw in relations. However, this latest incident suggests that significant challenges remain in rebuilding trust between the two nations.