Algeria has defended its decision to expel twelve French officials, citing the arrest of an Algerian consular official in France as the catalyst.
The Algerian Foreign Ministry labeled the arrest a “vile act,” directly blaming French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau for escalating tensions.
They asserted the expulsion was a sovereign act following the “spectacular and ostentatious arrest” of their agent.
The ministry accused Retailleau of obstructing recent efforts to mend strained diplomatic ties between Algiers and Paris.
They warned of reciprocal firm action should France take further “offensive” steps.
This development follows Algeria’s strong protest over the indictment of its consular official in connection with the April 2024 abduction of Algerian influencer Amir Boukhors in Paris.
Boukhors, a vocal critic of the Algerian government, has a significant online presence.
The expulsions mark a setback in relations that had recently shown signs of improvement.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot’s visit to Algeria earlier this month aimed to “rebuild a partnership of equals.”
Algeria cites sovereignty in response to French actionsHowever, past disagreements over Western Sahara and the arrest of a French-Algerian writer have contributed to the fragile state of their relationship.
