Algeria has announced that it is expelling 12 French embassy officials within 48 hours, a move that underscores deepening diplomatic tensions between the two nations. This decision was communicated by France's foreign minister, Jean-Noel Barrot, who stated that the expulsion relates to the recent indictment of three Algerians in France, including a consular official. These individuals are accused of involvement in the kidnapping of Amir Boukhors, a vocal critic of Algeria's government, who has reportedly gained asylum in France.
Boukhors, known for his social media following, has been living in France since 2016. In April 2024, he was reportedly abducted in the Paris suburbs only to be released the following day. According to his lawyer, Boukhors faced serious threats in previous years and claimed that the abduction involved being forcibly taken away by fake police officers. Algeria has since issued nine international arrest warrants against him for alleged fraud and links to terrorism, charges he firmly denies.
The diplomatic spat is compounded by past incidents, including the arrest of French-Algerian author Boualem Sansal in Algeria for alleged undermining of national integrity. Last year, Algeria's ambassador to France was recalled following France's support for Moroccan claims over the contested territory of Western Sahara.
Barrot appealed for Algeria to reverse its decision, warning that if the expulsions proceed, France is prepared to react accordingly. Algeria's foreign ministry responded by summoning the French ambassador to formally protest the indictment of its nationals, describing the actions as a deliberate tactic by France to sabotage improving relations between the two countries.
Despite these tensions, there have been attempts to mend ties, highlighted by a phone conversation earlier this year between French President Emmanuel Macron and Algeria's President Abdelmadjid Tebboun. The leaders expressed a desire to transition into a "new phase" in relations following Barrot's recent diplomatic visit.
As both nations navigate this fraught landscape, the implications for international relations and cultural exchanges remain to be seen.
Boukhors, known for his social media following, has been living in France since 2016. In April 2024, he was reportedly abducted in the Paris suburbs only to be released the following day. According to his lawyer, Boukhors faced serious threats in previous years and claimed that the abduction involved being forcibly taken away by fake police officers. Algeria has since issued nine international arrest warrants against him for alleged fraud and links to terrorism, charges he firmly denies.
The diplomatic spat is compounded by past incidents, including the arrest of French-Algerian author Boualem Sansal in Algeria for alleged undermining of national integrity. Last year, Algeria's ambassador to France was recalled following France's support for Moroccan claims over the contested territory of Western Sahara.
Barrot appealed for Algeria to reverse its decision, warning that if the expulsions proceed, France is prepared to react accordingly. Algeria's foreign ministry responded by summoning the French ambassador to formally protest the indictment of its nationals, describing the actions as a deliberate tactic by France to sabotage improving relations between the two countries.
Despite these tensions, there have been attempts to mend ties, highlighted by a phone conversation earlier this year between French President Emmanuel Macron and Algeria's President Abdelmadjid Tebboun. The leaders expressed a desire to transition into a "new phase" in relations following Barrot's recent diplomatic visit.
As both nations navigate this fraught landscape, the implications for international relations and cultural exchanges remain to be seen.
