In detail, Algeria has ordered 12 French embassy staff to exit the country within 48 hours, as confirmed by France's foreign minister, Jean-Noël Barrot. He stated that this action is tied to the recent indictment of three Algerians in France, among them a consular official, for their alleged roles in the abduction of Amir Boukhors, a well-known critic of the Algerian government. Boukhors, who has a significant following on social media and has been granted asylum in France, was abducted in April 2024 but released shortly after.
The allegations against Boukhors include connections to terrorist groups and fraud, claims he denies. Barrot requested that Algeria withdraw its decision and warned of immediate repercussions if the expulsions proceeded. This incident marks the first time a member of the Algerian consulate has faced arrest by French authorities, further complicating Franco-Algerian relations.
The diplomatic rupture follows a series of contentious events, including the detention of French-Algerian author Boualem Sansal for perceived threats to Algeria’s stability and tensions over diplomatic stances regarding Morocco's claims to Western Sahara. These factors collectively demonstrate the precarious nature of relations between the two countries, despite recent attempts at a diplomatic thaw, including a direct communication between Presidents Macron and Tebboune.
On April 6, after a visit to Algeria, Barrot expressed hopes for a "new phase" in Franco-Algerian relations. However, current developments suggest that significant challenges remain in rebuilding trust and cooperation.
The allegations against Boukhors include connections to terrorist groups and fraud, claims he denies. Barrot requested that Algeria withdraw its decision and warned of immediate repercussions if the expulsions proceeded. This incident marks the first time a member of the Algerian consulate has faced arrest by French authorities, further complicating Franco-Algerian relations.
The diplomatic rupture follows a series of contentious events, including the detention of French-Algerian author Boualem Sansal for perceived threats to Algeria’s stability and tensions over diplomatic stances regarding Morocco's claims to Western Sahara. These factors collectively demonstrate the precarious nature of relations between the two countries, despite recent attempts at a diplomatic thaw, including a direct communication between Presidents Macron and Tebboune.
On April 6, after a visit to Algeria, Barrot expressed hopes for a "new phase" in Franco-Algerian relations. However, current developments suggest that significant challenges remain in rebuilding trust and cooperation.
