Algeria Deports 12 French Diplomats Amid Rising Tensions with France
Algeria has ordered 12 French diplomats to depart within 48 hours, labeling them "personae non gratae" in a significant escalation of diplomatic tensions with France. This move comes in response to the arrest of an Algerian consular official...
TroibNews 
Algeria has ordered 12 French diplomats to depart within 48 hours, labeling them "personae non gratae" in a significant escalation of diplomatic tensions with France.
This move comes in response to the arrest of an Algerian consular official by French authorities, which Algiers condemned as a blatant violation of diplomatic immunity.
France acknowledged receipt of the expulsion notice involving the 12 embassy officials, some of whom are affiliated with the French Interior Ministry.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot called on Algeria to "abandon" the expulsions and stated that France was prepared to "respond immediately" if the actions proceeded, as reported by French media.
This situation escalated after Algeria summoned French Ambassador Stephane Romatet on Saturday to express its objections to the arrest of its consular official.
The detained diplomat was reportedly questioned regarding alleged connections to the 2024 abduction of Amir Boukhors, an Algerian activist residing in Paris who is active on social media under the name "Amir DZ."
In response, Algeria characterized the allegations against its consular official as unfounded, emphasizing that the only evidence presented by French authorities was the official's phone being detected near Boukhors' residence.
Algeria has demanded the immediate release of the diplomat, labeling the arrest as a "fabricated pretext" that jeopardizes recent efforts to repair Franco-Algerian relations.
Algiers cautioned that any further infringement on its sovereignty would invoke a strong response based on reciprocity.
This confrontation represents the most significant diplomatic rupture between France and Algeria in years, further straining a relationship historically influenced by colonial grievances and ongoing disputes, including immigration issues and France’s support of Morocco in the Western Sahara conflicts.
Lucas Dupont for TROIB News
This move comes in response to the arrest of an Algerian consular official by French authorities, which Algiers condemned as a blatant violation of diplomatic immunity.
France acknowledged receipt of the expulsion notice involving the 12 embassy officials, some of whom are affiliated with the French Interior Ministry.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot called on Algeria to "abandon" the expulsions and stated that France was prepared to "respond immediately" if the actions proceeded, as reported by French media.
This situation escalated after Algeria summoned French Ambassador Stephane Romatet on Saturday to express its objections to the arrest of its consular official.
The detained diplomat was reportedly questioned regarding alleged connections to the 2024 abduction of Amir Boukhors, an Algerian activist residing in Paris who is active on social media under the name "Amir DZ."
In response, Algeria characterized the allegations against its consular official as unfounded, emphasizing that the only evidence presented by French authorities was the official's phone being detected near Boukhors' residence.
Algeria has demanded the immediate release of the diplomat, labeling the arrest as a "fabricated pretext" that jeopardizes recent efforts to repair Franco-Algerian relations.
Algiers cautioned that any further infringement on its sovereignty would invoke a strong response based on reciprocity.
This confrontation represents the most significant diplomatic rupture between France and Algeria in years, further straining a relationship historically influenced by colonial grievances and ongoing disputes, including immigration issues and France’s support of Morocco in the Western Sahara conflicts.
Lucas Dupont for TROIB News
