Algeria has issued an expulsion order for 12 French embassy officials, demanding their departure within 48 hours, as confirmed by France's Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot. This request is reportedly in retaliation to the indictment of three Algerians in France, one of whom is tied to Algeria’s consulate and is implicated in the alleged abduction of Amir Boukhors, a notable government critic who has been living in France since 2016 and was granted asylum earlier this year.

Barrot urged the Algerian government to reconsider the expulsions, indicating France's willingness to respond swiftly should the order be enforced. Boukhors, also known as Amir DZ, was kidnapped in Paris in April 2024 but released shortly after. His lawyer stated that Boukhors had previously faced violent attacks, with French media revealing he was taken by individuals posing as police officials.

The accusations against him include fraud and connections to terrorist groups, which he vehemently denies. In 2022, French courts denied Algeria's request for his extradition. This incident compounds the existing friction between the two nations, which has been marked by a variety of confrontations, including the jailing of French-Algerian author Boualem Sansal.

Tensions escalated last year after Algeria recalled its ambassador to France following France's support of Morocco regarding the disputed Western Sahara region. The diplomatic spat is exacerbated by Algeria's foreign ministry summoning the French ambassador to protest the recent indictment of the Algerian nationals.

Barrot’s comments reflect the urgent need for dialogue, as he pointed out that these expulsions occur at a precarious time in bilateral relations. Following a recent phone call and an official visit to Algeria by Barrot, there were hopes for a smoother path ahead. However, the current incidents threaten to hinder progress.