Algeria Orders Expulsion of 12 French Embassy Officials Amid Diplomatic Tensions

Amid fraught relations, Algeria has ordered the departure of 12 French diplomatic personnel in response to an indictment regarding a controversial abduction case involving an Algerian critic of the government living in France.

Algeria has notified France that 12 officials from its embassy must leave the country within 48 hours, marking a significant diplomatic escalation. This decision, confirmed by French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, appears to be linked to the indictment of three Algerians in France, which included a consular official. The trio faces serious charges, including involvement in the abduction of Amir Boukhors, a vocal critic of the Algerian regime who resides in France having been granted asylum earlier this year.

Barrot called on Algeria to reconsider its decision, asserting that France would respond swiftly should the expulsions be carried out. This situation is particularly unprecedented, as French authorities have not previously detained a diplomat from the Algerian consulate, and the fallout jeopardizes recent efforts to stabilize relations between the two countries.

The accusations against Boukhors, who claims to have suffered two severe attacks in the past, involve allegations of association with terrorist groups—charges he vehemently denies. The tensions have been compounded by the arrest of French-Algerian author Boualem Sansal in Algeria and diplomatic disputes over France's support of Morocco’s claims in Western Sahara.

The Algerian foreign ministry has summoned the French ambassador to lodge a formal protest, stressing that the arrest of the consular official was made without notice through diplomatic channels, thus exacerbating an already strained relationship. Nonetheless, both nations have seen glimpses of reconciliation, including recent communication between President Macron and Algerian President Tebboune, indicating a potential desire to mend ties despite these provocations.