Algeria Orders Expulsion of 12 French Embassy Officials Amid Rising Tensions

Algeria's decision to expel 12 French embassy officials is linked to the indictment of three Algerians in France involving alleged abduction charges. The move comes amidst ongoing diplomatic rifts between the nations, with France urging Algeria to reconsider its actions.

Algeria has issued an order for the expulsion of 12 officials from the French embassy, requesting that they leave the country within the next 48 hours, as announced by France's foreign minister, Jean-Noel Barrot. This diplomatic action is reportedly a reaction to the recent indictment of three Algerians in France, one of whom is a consular official. The indictments stem from the alleged involvement in the abduction of Amir Boukhors, a well-known critic of the Algerian government who has sought asylum in France.

Barrot expressed concerns over the expulsion, urging Algerian authorities to reconsider their decision and warning that France would respond promptly if the expulsion proceeds. Boukhors, also known as Amir DZ, has been living in France since 2016 and was granted political asylum this year after a history of persecution. He was reportedly kidnapped in April 2024 but released shortly after, with accusations against him including connections to fraud and terrorist organizations, which he denies.

The deteriorating relationship between the two countries has been marked by several incidents, including the detention of French-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal, accused of undermining Algeria's territorial integrity, and tensions over France's support for Morocco regarding the disputed Western Sahara territory.

France's foreign ministry highlighted that the 12 officials being expelled include members from the interior ministry. Algeria's foreign ministry publicly summoned the French ambassador to protest against the indictment, indicating that it views these events as interlinked in the broader context of deteriorating bilateral relations.

After a phone call earlier this year between French President Emmanuel Macron and Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboun, both leaders indicated a desire to mend ties, but recent actions suggest significant hurdles remain. Following his visit to Algeria, Barrot had spoken of hopes for a "new phase" in relations, but the current diplomatic strife illustrates the complexity of rebuilding trust between the two nations.