France expels 12 Algerian officials, recalls envoy as diplomatic rift deepens

English , International - بین الاقوامی , Snippets , / Tuesday, April 15th, 2025

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France has expelled 12 Algerian officials and recalled its ambassador for consultations in a sharp escalation of diplomatic tensions between Paris and Algiers.
The move comes after Algeria ordered 12 French diplomats to leave within 48 hours, following the indictment of three men in Paris, including an Algerian consular employee, on terrorism-related charges.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot announced the response on social media, calling Algeria’s decision “unjustified and incomprehensible.” He stressed that while dialogue remains welcome, it cannot be “one-sided.”
The French presidency echoed the sentiment, blaming Algeria for the sudden deterioration in bilateral ties and expressing “dismay” over the expulsions. The Élysée Palace emphasized that the Algerian decision ignores fundamental judicial norms and warned that France will continue to defend its national interests, especially regarding security and migration cooperation.
Algeria’s Foreign Ministry, meanwhile, defended its move as a “sovereign decision,” accusing French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau of infringing on Algeria’s sovereignty and reigniting tensions.
The Algerian statement also condemned the April 8 arrest of its consular official in France as defamatory and a violation of diplomatic protocol.
Despite the escalating fallout, French President Emmanuel Macron called on Algeria to act responsibly and reaffirmed his commitment to a constructive dialogue initiated on March 31. The presidency stressed that continued cooperation remains in the best interest of both nations.
As diplomatic ties fray, the crisis underscores ongoing friction between France and its former colony amid complex security and migration challenges.