France Retaliates, Expels 12 Algerian Officials and Recalls Envoy

Tensions between France and Algeria have escalated as France expelled 12 Algerian officials and recalled its ambassador from Algiers. This move followed Algeria’s expulsion of 12 French officials after the arrest of an Algerian consular official in France. According to French sources, the consular official was arrested based on suspicion of involvement in the abduction of an Algerian opposition figure, Amir Boukhos, in Paris. The diplomatic fallout comes just weeks after a phone call between Presidents Macron and Tebboune aimed at mending relations, which had deteriorated due to Paris’ stance on Western Sahara and the arrest of French-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal. Despite France’s decision, it has called on Algeria to resume negotiations.

Le Monde