In brief
Algeria's diplomatic relations with France are tested again as 12 French officials are expelled following allegations of kidnapping a political asylum seeker.
Tensions between Algeria and France have flared up again, leading to the expulsion of 12 French officials from the country. The Algerian Foreign Ministry announced on Monday that these officials, connected to the French Embassy and consulates, have 48 hours to vacate Algeria. This decision comes after an Algerian official was arrested in France for allegedly kidnapping "Amir DZ," an influencer who has been living in France since 2016 and was granted political asylum in 2023. In a statement, the Algerian foreign ministry condemned the act as "disgraceful," accusing France of seeking to humiliate Algeria without regard for diplomatic norms. France's foreign minister, Jean-Noël Barrot, responded with a warning, stating, "We are ready to act," insisting that Algeria reverse its expulsion decision. The arrested Algerian official faces serious charges, with French prosecutors indicting him on suspicions of abduction and unlawful detention in relation to a terrorist undertaking. Meanwhile, "Amir DZ," previously sought by Algeria through nine different international arrest warrants over charges including fraud, was protected from extradition by French courts.Political scientists suggest that historical traumas continue to hinder relations between the two nations, which were colonized by France for over a century before Algeria's independence in 1962 after a brutal war. Despite recent attempts to mend ties, such as Barrot’s visit to Algiers and President Emmanuel Macron’s phone call to President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, the diplomatic atmosphere has turned sour. The relationship degraded further after Macron expressed support for Morocco's claims over Western Sahara, a significant point of contention for Algeria. Adding to the tensions, the arrest of Algerian-French writer Boualem Sansal last November for allegedly undermining national unity has drawn criticism from Macron and sparked calls for his release, fueling ongoing disputes between the countries.
