In a significant escalation of diplomatic tensions, Algeria has demanded that 12 officials from the French embassy leave the country within 48 hours. This move, confirmed by France's Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, is reportedly linked to the recent indictment of three Algerian nationals in France, one of whom holds a consular position. They face serious allegations including involvement in the abduction of Amir Boukhors, a vocal critic of Algeria's government, who was reportedly granted political asylum in France.
Algeria Orders Expulsion of 12 French Diplomats Amid Diplomatic Tensions
Algeria Orders Expulsion of 12 French Diplomats Amid Diplomatic Tensions
Algeria's request for the departure of French embassy personnel emerges alongside escalating diplomatic strains following a recent indictment of Algerians in France.
Boukhors, also known as Amir DZ, has been living in France since 2016 and received asylum earlier this year. He was abducted in April 2024 in a suburb of Paris but was freed shortly after. His lawyer, Eric Plouvier, raised concerns about Boukhors’ safety, noting he was attacked previously and has faced dire threats, including being taken by individuals posing as police. The Algerian government has issued multiple arrest warrants for him, accusing him of fraud and terrorism affiliations, which he vehemently denies.
The recent events reflect a deeper rift in Franco-Algerian relations that has been widening due to various incidents including the jailing of French-Algerian author Boualem Sansal and disagreements over Western Sahara. Algeria recalled its ambassador from Paris last year following France's support for Morocco in this territorial dispute.
In response to the expulsion request, Barrot urged Algerian authorities to reconsider, warning that France would be forced to retaliate should the expulsion occur. Meanwhile, Algeria's foreign ministry has summoned the French ambassador to lodge a formal protest against the accusations directed at its nationals and called for their release.
Despite these rising tensions, recent communications between French President Emmanuel Macron and Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboun indicated a desire to mend relations, suggesting the situation may evolve further in the coming months.
The recent events reflect a deeper rift in Franco-Algerian relations that has been widening due to various incidents including the jailing of French-Algerian author Boualem Sansal and disagreements over Western Sahara. Algeria recalled its ambassador from Paris last year following France's support for Morocco in this territorial dispute.
In response to the expulsion request, Barrot urged Algerian authorities to reconsider, warning that France would be forced to retaliate should the expulsion occur. Meanwhile, Algeria's foreign ministry has summoned the French ambassador to lodge a formal protest against the accusations directed at its nationals and called for their release.
Despite these rising tensions, recent communications between French President Emmanuel Macron and Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboun indicated a desire to mend relations, suggesting the situation may evolve further in the coming months.
