Algeria has defended its expulsion of 12 French officials, calling it a sovereign response to escalating tensions with Paris.
In a statement released Monday, Algeria’s Foreign Ministry said the diplomats were declared persona non gratafollowing the “spectacular and ostentatious” arrest of an Algerian consular agent in France.
The ministry condemned the arrest as a “vile act,” directly blaming French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau for damaging recent efforts to restore bilateral trust.
Algeria accused Retailleau of adopting a “negative and distressing” stance toward the country, saying he “bears full responsibility” for derailing diplomatic progress.
The French Foreign Ministry confirmed the expulsions, noting the officials were given 48 hours to leave Algerian territory.
Tensions flared after French prosecutors indicted the Algerian consular official over alleged links to the April 2024 abduction of influencer Amir Boukhors, known online as “Amir DZ.”
Boukhors, a prominent critic of the Algerian government with a large social media following, was allegedly kidnapped in a Paris suburb, sparking diplomatic outrage in Algiers.
On Saturday, Algeria issued a strong protest, warning of reciprocal measures should France escalate the situation further.
The expulsions mark a setback just weeks after a diplomatic thaw, when French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot visited Algiers to “rebuild a partnership of equals.”
Algeria and France have long had a fragile relationship, complicated by colonial history and recent disputes over Morocco and freedom of expression.
The current crisis underscores how fragile efforts at reconciliation remain, with each side quick to revive grievances rooted in past and present distrust.