Diplomatic tensions between France and Algeria: Paris responds to the expulsion of French officials

New Algerian diplomats expelled in retaliation
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot announced on Wednesday, May 14 on BFMTV, the expulsion of new Algerian diplomats in response to the expulsion of French officials from Algeria on Monday. This decision comes amid deteriorating diplomatic relations between the two countries following the implementation of new entry conditions for French public officials to Algeria, deemed contrary to the 2013 bilateral agreement.

A proportional response to the Algerian decision
Jean-Noël Barrot described the Algerian move as “unjustified and unjustifiable.” He emphasized that the French response would be “immediate, firm, and strictly proportionate,” calling for the expulsion of Algerian officials holding diplomatic passports without a visa. The minister also mentioned that further measures could be taken depending on the situation’s development. “The Algerians wished to send our agents back. We are sending theirs,” he stated.

An unprecedented diplomatic crisis
This diplomatic crisis has escalated to an unprecedented level, further intensified by the mid-April expulsion of twelve French officials, to which France responded in kind by expelling twelve Algerian consular agents. Tensions worsened in the summer of 2024 when France expressed full support for a Moroccan sovereignty-based autonomy plan for Western Sahara, a sensitive issue for Algeria. Although attempts at reconciliation have been made, relations between the two nations remain fragile.

The Quai d’Orsay confirms the reciprocity of measures
The Quai d’Orsay confirmed that the Algerian chargé d’affaires was summoned on Tuesday, where France reiterated its commitment to maintaining strict reciprocity in this diplomatic crisis. The ministry also stated that additional measures might be considered depending on the situation’s evolution, further escalating the already tense relations.