Algeria Chooses Escalation": Diplomatic Crisis with France Reignites

Algeria Chooses Escalation": Diplomatic Crisis with France Reignites

After a brief period of calm, tensions between France and Algeria are once again on the rise. The latest trigger: Algeria's decision to expel twelve French Interior Ministry officials, declaring them *persona non grata* and giving them 48 hours to leave the country. In a tit-for-tat move, France has responded by expelling twelve Algerian diplomats.

Despite recent efforts to mend ties, relations between Paris and Algiers have sharply deteriorated. On Tuesday, April 15, President Emmanuel Macron ordered the expulsion of the Algerian officials and recalled France’s ambassador to Algiers, Stéphane Romatet, for consultations, as announced by the Élysée Palace.

A Sudden Shift After Hopes of Reconciliation

Just two weeks ago, Macron had spoken directly with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune on March 31 to reestablish dialogue after months of strained relations. But tensions flared again over the weekend when Algerian authorities expelled twelve French Interior Ministry officials in response to the arrest and detention in France of an Algerian consular employee.

Macron Takes the Lead

Initially, Macron sought to de-escalate. But after Algerian authorities refused to reverse their decision, the French president chose to act decisively.

The Élysée condemned the Algerian expulsions as “unjustified and incomprehensible,” adding that they disregarded “basic judicial procedures.” In response, France issued a symmetrical measure, expelling twelve Algerian consular and diplomatic staff within 48 hours.

"The Algerian authorities are fully responsible for the sharp deterioration in our bilateral relations," the Élysée stated. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot echoed this view, saying that "Algeria has chosen escalation."

#### **Algeria Defends Its Decision**

Algeria defended its actions as a “sovereign decision” and blamed French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau for fueling tensions. Retailleau, a prominent figure on the French right, has recently taken a hardline stance on migration and security matters involving Algeria.

However, Barrot clarified that Retailleau had "nothing to do with this judicial case" and emphasized the independence of France's judicial system.

#### **A Terrorism-Related Case at the Core**

At the heart of the conflict is a high-profile legal case in France. Three individuals, including an employee of the Algerian consulate, were charged last Friday with kidnapping, unlawful detention, and terrorist conspiracy. They allegedly targeted Amir Boukhors, an exiled Algerian dissident and social media influencer known as Amir DZ. The suspects have been placed in pre-trial detention.

Retailleau, speaking after the Élysée’s announcement, called France’s response “entirely appropriate” and condemned the idea that “France could become a playground for Algerian intelligence services.”

#### **Call for Dialogue Amid Rising Tensions**

Despite the rapid escalation, the French government has expressed hope that dialogue can resume. The Élysée stressed that it is in the “mutual interest” of both nations to reestablish communication, calling on Algiers to act responsibly.

“We are showing, without ambiguity, that we can respond,” Barrot said in a Wednesday morning interview. However, he added that France must eventually re-engage in dialogue with Algeria “in the interest of the French people.”