France is giving a "symmetrical response" to Algeria, which on Monday, April 14, 2025, gave 48 hours to 12 employees of the French embassy to leave the country. The escalating tensions between the two nations reached a critical point when France announced on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, the expulsion of 12 Algerian diplomats, mirroring Algeria's earlier decision to expel the same number of French officials.
The situation escalated when Algeria stated that the expulsion of the 12 French citizens was prompted by the arrest of an Algerian consular officer by French authorities in connection with a theft case. The Elysee Palace condemned Algeria's actions as "unjustified" and "incomprehensible," despite the fact that the 12 French officials had already departed the country and returned to France earlier that day.
In a statement, Paris asserted that "Algerian authorities are taking responsibility for the severe deterioration of our bilateral relations" and urged Algiers to "show responsibility" and "resume dialogue." The relationship between the two countries has been strained since the summer of last year, particularly after France shifted its stance to support Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara, a disputed territory claimed by the Polisario Front, which Algeria supports.
In November 2024, tensions peaked when Algeria arrested Franco-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal, a vocal critic of both Islamism and the Algerian regime, who was sentenced to five years in prison and is currently appealing his conviction. Additionally, Algeria has consistently refused to accept its citizens expelled from France, further complicating diplomatic relations.
In what French authorities have termed a "symmetrical" expulsion, the French Ambassador to Algeria, Stefan Romate, was also recalled to Paris for consultations. French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, speaking on CNews, stated that "it is absolutely unacceptable for France to become a playground for Algerian services," emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.
On the legal front, the French prosecutor for combating terrorism reported that three Algerian citizens were arrested last week and charged with "theft or intentional damage in connection with terrorist activities." This development has added another layer of complexity to the already fraught relations between the two nations.
The French government expressed its shock at the rapid deterioration of relations, especially given that just two weeks prior, a phone call had taken place between Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and French President Emmanuel Macron, aimed at restoring ties. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot remarked that Algeria "chose the path of escalation" in its recent actions.
Relations began to sour last year when France acknowledged Morocco's sovereignty over Western Sahara, a move that was met with disapproval from Algeria. The Polisario Front, which seeks independence for Western Sahara, has been supported by Algeria, and this shift in French policy has further strained diplomatic ties.
The most recent round of tensions began in April 2025, when three Algerians, including an employee of the Algerian embassy in France, were arrested. These arrests were linked to the kidnapping of popular Algerian opposition figure Amir Boukhors, who has over 1.1 million followers on TikTok. Boukhors was abducted in April 2024 in the suburbs of Paris, held for 27 hours, and later released. Algeria has issued nine international arrest warrants for Boukhors, accusing him of fraud and terrorism.
The indictment against the three Algerians involved in Boukhors' kidnapping stated that "a foreign state without hesitation carried out violent acts on French soil with the aim of intimidation and terror, capable of endangering life," as reported by Le Monde. This statement underscores the seriousness of the charges and the implications for Franco-Algerian relations.
The current diplomatic spat is not just a reflection of recent events but rather a culmination of ongoing tensions that have developed over the years. The historical context of French colonialism in Algeria continues to cast a long shadow over their interactions, with both countries struggling to navigate their complex relationship in the modern era.
As the situation unfolds, both nations are left grappling with the consequences of their actions. France's decision to expel Algerian diplomats is indicative of a broader pattern of diplomatic tit-for-tat that has characterized their relationship in recent years. Observers are now left wondering how this latest round of expulsions will affect not only bilateral relations but also the broader geopolitical landscape in North Africa.
The expulsion of diplomats is a significant escalation in diplomatic tensions, and both countries will need to consider the long-term implications of their actions. As France and Algeria navigate this fraught period, the need for dialogue and understanding remains paramount.
