The diplomatic spat includes accusations against an Algerian consular official and threatens to undermine efforts at reconciling relations between Algeria and France.
**Algeria Orders Expulsion of Twelve French Diplomats Amid Rising Tensions**
**Algeria Orders Expulsion of Twelve French Diplomats Amid Rising Tensions**
Algeria's expulsion of French embassy officials highlights the deepening diplomatic crisis following a controversial indictment in France.
Algeria has requested the departure of 12 French embassy staff members within 48 hours, marking a significant escalation in tensions between the two nations, according to France's Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot. This move comes on the heels of the indictment of three Algerians in France linked to the abduction of Amir Boukhors, a prominent critic of the Algerian government, who was abducted in Paris last year. Boukhors, also known for his online influence, had been granted asylum in France earlier this year.
Barrot urged Algeria to reconsider the expulsion decision, asserting that France is prepared to take immediate action if the expulsions proceed. This incident marks an unprecedented situation where French authorities have arrested an employee from the Algerian consulate, further complicating a fragile relationship that had recently seen attempts to improve.
Tensions are exacerbated by domestic political struggles in France, where some right-wing factions accuse President Emmanuel Macron’s administration of being overly lenient towards Algeria. Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau has even hinted at resigning if the government does not adopt a firmer stance.
The controversy surrounding Boukhors added fuel to the fire. He has faced multiple threats and was forcibly taken by impostors posing as police officers in a previous incident, leading to significant concern over his safety. Algeria has labeled him a "saboteur" with connections to terrorism, allegations he vehemently denies. The country has issued multiple international arrest warrants for him, which the French courts have so far refused to act upon.
The expulsion of the French diplomats is part of a series of incidents that have strained Franco-Algerian relations, which previously were showing signs of improvement after a phone call between Macron and Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune in March. Tensions have risen since Algeria recalled its ambassador from Paris over France's support for Morocco regarding Western Sahara claims.
The French Interior Ministry officials among those expelled are likely to further complicate diplomatic engagements. Barrot’s call to abandon the expulsion reflects ongoing efforts to stabilize the bilateral relationship, but is challenged by the recent events that have surfaced to reveal the underlying rifts. The Algerian foreign ministry has responded by summoning the French ambassador and voicing its strong objections to the French actions.
Barrot urged Algeria to reconsider the expulsion decision, asserting that France is prepared to take immediate action if the expulsions proceed. This incident marks an unprecedented situation where French authorities have arrested an employee from the Algerian consulate, further complicating a fragile relationship that had recently seen attempts to improve.
Tensions are exacerbated by domestic political struggles in France, where some right-wing factions accuse President Emmanuel Macron’s administration of being overly lenient towards Algeria. Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau has even hinted at resigning if the government does not adopt a firmer stance.
The controversy surrounding Boukhors added fuel to the fire. He has faced multiple threats and was forcibly taken by impostors posing as police officers in a previous incident, leading to significant concern over his safety. Algeria has labeled him a "saboteur" with connections to terrorism, allegations he vehemently denies. The country has issued multiple international arrest warrants for him, which the French courts have so far refused to act upon.
The expulsion of the French diplomats is part of a series of incidents that have strained Franco-Algerian relations, which previously were showing signs of improvement after a phone call between Macron and Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune in March. Tensions have risen since Algeria recalled its ambassador from Paris over France's support for Morocco regarding Western Sahara claims.
The French Interior Ministry officials among those expelled are likely to further complicate diplomatic engagements. Barrot’s call to abandon the expulsion reflects ongoing efforts to stabilize the bilateral relationship, but is challenged by the recent events that have surfaced to reveal the underlying rifts. The Algerian foreign ministry has responded by summoning the French ambassador and voicing its strong objections to the French actions.
