Algiers has strongly protested France’s detention of one of its consular agents, escalating tensions between the two nations.
The Algerian Foreign Ministry denounced the move as an unprecedented and unjustified judicial action.
They believe this action aims to disrupt the recent efforts to mend strained bilateral relations.
French media outlets reported that the consular official is under investigation for the alleged kidnapping of Amir Boukhors.
Boukhors is reportedly an opponent of the current Algerian regime. Algeria labeled Boukhors as a “saboteur linked to terrorist groups.”
The Algerian government declared that this development would severely damage Algerian-French relations.
They affirmed their resolve to ensure this case would not go without consequences.
Relations between Paris and Algiers have been historically complex and recently worsened.
French President Emmanuel Macron’s support for Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara last July ignited further discord.
Additionally, the recent jailing of French-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal in Algeria drew criticism from Macron.
Despite recent diplomatic talks aimed at normalizing ties, this latest incident threatens to reignite tensions.