Algeria has given 12 French embassy officials 48 hours to leave the country, escalating diplomatic tensions between the two nations. This decision was publicly confirmed by French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, who linked the expulsions to the indictment of three Algerians in France, one of whom is a consular official. They face serious charges, including involvement in the abduction last year of Amir Boukhors, a vocal critic of the Algerian government with a substantial online following. Boukhors, also known as Amir DZ, had reportedly sought asylum in France earlier this year.
Minister Barrot has called on Algerian authorities to reconsider the expulsions and warned that France is prepared to "respond immediately" should these actions be carried out. This incident marks a significant shift in Franco-Algerian relations, particularly as it follows long-standing efforts to reconcile after previous tensions. The situation demonstrates a rising political struggle within France, where some right-wing politicians criticize President Emmanuel Macron for being too accommodating towards Algeria.
Amir Boukhors has been living in France since 2016 and was abducted from the southern suburbs of Paris in April 2024 in a well-orchestrated operation involving individuals posing as police officers. His lawyer, Eric Plouvier, stated that Boukhors survived prior attacks in 2022. Allegations are swirling around Boukhors, with Algerian officials branding him a "saboteur" tied to terrorist activities, claims he fiercely denies. The French judicial system has repeatedly refused to extradite him to Algeria, where he faces nine international arrest warrants on various charges.
The recent incident is just one of numerous events that have increasingly strained Franco-Algerian relations. Other points of contention include the detention of French-Algerian author Boualem Sansal in Algeria on accusations related to undermining national security. Relations soured further last year when Algeria recalled its ambassador from Paris after France expressed support for Morocco's stance concerning the Western Sahara conflict.
The French officials facing expulsion are reportedly connected to the interior ministry. In response to the situation, Algeria's foreign ministry summoned the French ambassador, denouncing the arrests as a clear provocation aimed at hindering efforts to restore good relations. Nevertheless, there have been glimpses of reconciliation, such as a recent phone call between Presidents Macron and Abdelmadjid Tebboune, followed by Barrot's official visit to Algeria in April, stirring hopes for improved diplomatic ties.
Minister Barrot has called on Algerian authorities to reconsider the expulsions and warned that France is prepared to "respond immediately" should these actions be carried out. This incident marks a significant shift in Franco-Algerian relations, particularly as it follows long-standing efforts to reconcile after previous tensions. The situation demonstrates a rising political struggle within France, where some right-wing politicians criticize President Emmanuel Macron for being too accommodating towards Algeria.
Amir Boukhors has been living in France since 2016 and was abducted from the southern suburbs of Paris in April 2024 in a well-orchestrated operation involving individuals posing as police officers. His lawyer, Eric Plouvier, stated that Boukhors survived prior attacks in 2022. Allegations are swirling around Boukhors, with Algerian officials branding him a "saboteur" tied to terrorist activities, claims he fiercely denies. The French judicial system has repeatedly refused to extradite him to Algeria, where he faces nine international arrest warrants on various charges.
The recent incident is just one of numerous events that have increasingly strained Franco-Algerian relations. Other points of contention include the detention of French-Algerian author Boualem Sansal in Algeria on accusations related to undermining national security. Relations soured further last year when Algeria recalled its ambassador from Paris after France expressed support for Morocco's stance concerning the Western Sahara conflict.
The French officials facing expulsion are reportedly connected to the interior ministry. In response to the situation, Algeria's foreign ministry summoned the French ambassador, denouncing the arrests as a clear provocation aimed at hindering efforts to restore good relations. Nevertheless, there have been glimpses of reconciliation, such as a recent phone call between Presidents Macron and Abdelmadjid Tebboune, followed by Barrot's official visit to Algeria in April, stirring hopes for improved diplomatic ties.
