Algeria has taken a decisive step in diplomatic relations with France by expelling 12 French embassy staff within a 48-hour deadline, as confirmed by French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot. This move is reportedly linked to the recent indictment of three Algerians in France, including a consular official, accused of involvement in the abduction of Amir Boukhors, a prominent Algerian critic living in France.
Boukhors, who resides in France since 2016 and has a significant following online, was allegedly abducted by fake police in Paris earlier this year. Following his release, he has faced multiple attacks and is deemed a target by Algerian authorities accusing him of terrorist affiliations. The indictment that triggered the expulsion appears to reflect broader tensions, especially given the political debates unfolding in France concerning its stance towards Algeria.
Barrot has urged Algeria to reconsider the expulsions, warning that if these measures are pursued, France would be compelled to respond decisively. The scale of this diplomatic fallout is unprecedented—marking the first time that French authorities have arrested an Algerian consulate employee, and it jeopardizes recent attempts to mend the rift between the two nations.
The backdrop of this incident includes strained relations exacerbated by Algeria's perception of France's support for Morocco regarding Western Sahara claims, and further tensions following the imprisonment of Algerian-French author Boualem Sansal. Algeria's foreign ministry has expressed its strong protest over the arrests, indicating that diplomatic channels were not properly followed and that this serves to hinder the improving bilateral relations.
Despite these setbacks, there have been recent efforts towards reconciliation, evidenced by a phone call between President Emmanuel Macron and President Abdelmadjid Tebboune in March, where both leaders discussed the rising tensions. Barrot, following his visit to Algeria earlier this month, had expressed hope for a new phase in relations; however, these recent events have severely undermined that optimism.
