Algeria Expels 12 French Diplomats Amid Escalating Tensions with Paris

Algeria has ordered 12 French embassy officials to leave the country within 48 hours, intensifying a diplomatic rift sparked by France’s indictment of three Algerian nationals—one reportedly a consular official—over the 2024 abduction of anti-government influencer Amir Boukhors (Amir DZ).

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot firmly established the suspension on Monday, persuading Algeria to reconsider, warning of reciprocal action.

Barrot said the expulsion of diplomats was directly linked to the case of Boukhors, who has lived in France since 2016 and was granted political asylum there in 2023.

The French foreign minister has urged Algiers to reconsider the expulsions, saying that Paris would be forced to retaliate if it does not.

"I am asking Algerian authorities to abandon these expulsion measures. If the decision to send back our officials is maintained, we will have no other choice but to respond immediately," Barrot said.

Although relations between France and its former colony have long been challenging, tensions worsened dramatically last July when French President Emmanuel Macron recognized the autonomy of Western Sahara under Moroccan sovereignty.

Last month, Sansal, 80, was given a five-year prison sentence for allegedly undermining national unity.

Macron has called for his release, calling on the Algerian authorities to demonstrate "common sense and humanity."

There has also been sharp disagreement over France's attempts to deport Algerians it deems a threat.

However, Barrot suggested earlier this month that ties were "back to normal" following a call between Macron and his Algerian counterpart Abdelmadjid Tebboune on 31 March.

The move threatens recent attempts by both nations to mend relations strained by past disputes over migration, regional politics, and colonial history.