Diplomatic Crisis: Algeria Expels 12 French Agents, Paris Denounces Arbitrary Measure and Threatens Retaliation

An Unprecedented Decision Since 1962

Tensions between Paris and Algiers have reached a new level. On the evening of Sunday, April 13, Algerian authorities ordered the expulsion of 12 agents from the French embassy, giving them 48 hours to leave the country. This unprecedented decision, rarely seen since Algeria’s independence in 1962, targets personnel with diplomatic or administrative status, some of whom are said to be affiliated with the French Ministry of the Interior.

A Retaliation for the Arrest of Algerians in France

According to French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, this move is a direct response to the recent arrest in France of three Algerian nationals suspected of being involved in the abduction of Algerian influencer and dissident Amir Boukhors, known as Amir DZ, in April 2024. Among them is an Algerian consular agent, who has been charged with serious offenses, including kidnapping and sequestration linked to a terrorist enterprise, as stated by the French National Anti-Terrorist Prosecutor’s Office (PNAT).

Algeria Rejects French Accusations

The Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly reacted on Saturday, denouncing the situation as “unacceptable” and vowing consequences. The French authorities’ reasoning was dismissed as “rotten and far-fetched” by Algiers, suggesting a further deterioration of bilateral relations. “This inadmissible development will severely damage our relations,” Algeria had warned.

Jean-Noël Barrot Calls for De-escalation

Jean-Noël Barrot, who had recently visited Algiers in an attempt to restart dialogue, today urged Algerian authorities to backtrack: “This decision is unjustified, and has no connection to the ongoing legal proceedings. I ask Algeria to reverse it. If not, we will have no choice but to respond immediately.”

Fragile Diplomatic Thaw at Risk

These tensions come at a time when Paris and Algiers seemed to be embarking on a diplomatic thaw, after months of crisis fueled by issues such as the Western Sahara conflict and the detention of Franco-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal in France. The current situation threatens to derail this fragile attempt at reconciliation.