**Algeria Expulsions Signal Strained Diplomatic Relations with France**

The diplomatic rift highlights escalating tensions between Algeria and France, raising questions about their longstanding ties and diplomatic efforts.

Algeria's government has ordered the expulsion of 12 staff members from the French embassy, demanding their departure within 48 hours, as confirmed by France's Foreign Minister, Jean-Noel Barrot. This recent development follows the indictment of three Algerian nationals in France, including a consular official, linked to the purported abduction of Amir Boukhors, a prominent critic of the Algerian government. Boukhors, who has lived in France since 2016 and was granted political asylum earlier this year, was allegedly kidnapped in Paris last April and released shortly after.

Boukhors, known for his significant social media presence, has faced severe threats, including two reported serious attacks since 2022. His lawyer, Eric Plouvier, has described the circumstances of his abduction—stating that Boukhors was forcibly taken by individuals posing as police officers. Meanwhile, Algeria has issued nine international arrest warrants for Boukhors, accusing him of fraud and connections to terrorist groups, allegations he fervently denies, with French courts previously rejecting extradition requests.

The expulsion order is seen as part of a series of incidents that reflect the deteriorating diplomatic relations between France and Algeria, including the controversial arrest of French-Algerian author Boualem Sansal for undermining national integrity. In a move signaling displeasure, Algeria recalled its ambassador from France last year following France's support for Morocco regarding its claim to the contested territory of Western Sahara.

Amid these escalating tensions, Barrot has publicly urged Algeria to reconsider its expulsion of French officials, warning of immediate repercussions should the decision proceed. He asserted that these actions were directly tied to the indictments of the Algerians accused of serious crimes in France. In response, Algeria summoned the French ambassador to voice its strong opposition to the diplomatic spat, emphasizing that such actions could hinder attempts to stabilize bilateral relations.

Despite these diplomatic challenges, both nations have recently made tentative attempts to rekindle dialogue. In March, President Emmanuel Macron and Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboun engaged in a lengthy conversation addressing the current strains. Following a diplomatic visit by Barrot to Algeria in April, there were expressions of hope for a “new phase” in relations, yet the latest developments have cast doubt on these aspirations.