Tensions between Algeria and France have escalated sharply as the Algerian government announced the expulsion of 12 French diplomatic officials in response to the arrest of an Algerian official tied to the kidnapping of a prominent influencer. The French Foreign Ministry confirmed that the expelled officials, who are stationed at the French Embassy and consulates, must leave Algeria within 48 hours, as stated by the Algerian Foreign Ministry on Monday.
This diplomatic rift was triggered by an arrest made in France last Friday, during which an Algerian official was detained for alleged involvement in the abduction of "Amir DZ," an influencer who sought political asylum in France and has been living there since 2016. The Algerian government condemned France's actions, accusing them of attempting to humiliate Algeria and disregarding diplomatic protocols.
In retaliation, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot declared that France is prepared to respond to these expulsions. He noted that the Algerian authorities have a limited time frame to reconsider their decision. The detained Algerian official faces serious charges, including abduction and unlawful detention linked to a supposed terrorist plot, as per statements from French national antiterrorism prosecutors.
The controversy surrounding "Amir DZ" is emblematic of the historical tension between the two nations, which traces back to Algeria’s colonial past under France, lasting over a century until Algeria gained independence in 1962 following a brutal war. Algeria has been pursuing the extradition of Amir DZ, seeking to charge him with offenses related to fraudulent activities and terrorism, but French courts have consistently denied these requests.
Despite efforts in recent months to mend relations—highlighted by a visit from Minister Barrot to Algiers and a recent phone call from French President Emmanuel Macron to Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune—tensions have worsened in light of France's support for Morocco regarding the contentious Western Sahara dispute. The climate deteriorated further after the arrest of Boualem Sansal, an Algerian-French writer, accused of threatening national unity, which provoked outrage among French intellectuals and officials, including President Macron.
As international observers watch these developments closely, it appears that unresolved historical grievances continue to pose significant challenges to the diplomatic landscape between Algeria and France.
