Algerian authorities on Sunday expelled two French intelligence agents for entering the country using “fake diplomatic passports,” signaling a further escalation of tensions between Algiers and Paris.
The move follows a series of political and security disputes between the two nations.
According to Algeria International TV, a state-run news channel, the two individuals were affiliated with the French Interior Ministry’s Directorate of Internal Security.
They reportedly “failed to comply with legal procedures” upon entering Algerian territory.
The broadcaster characterized the incident as a “maneuver” orchestrated by French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau.
As of now, there has been no official statement from French authorities regarding the expulsion of the agents.
This development occurs just weeks after Algeria expelled twelve French embassy staff members in early April.
That action was in retaliation for the arrest in Paris of an Algerian consular employee who was allegedly involved in the kidnapping of an Algerian opposition figure influential online.
France responded to Algeria’s expulsion by expelling twelve Algerian diplomats and recalling its ambassador in Algiers for consultations.
These reciprocal expulsions followed a brief period of improved relations.
This thaw included a phone conversation between Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and French President Emmanuel Macron in late March, and a visit to Algiers by French Minister of State for Europe Jean-Noel Barrot on April 6.
During this visit, both countries pledged to resume their bilateral cooperation mechanisms.
However, diplomatic relations between Algeria and France remain fragile.
This is largely due to unresolved issues stemming from France’s long colonial rule over Algeria, which lasted from 1830 to 1962.