Algeria has expelled 12 officials from the French Embassy and consulates in a swiftly escalating diplomatic confrontation following the arrest of an Algerian official connected to the alleged kidnapping of a social media influencer who sought asylum in France.
Escalating Diplomatic Tensions: Algeria Expels French Officials Amid Kidnapping Allegations
Escalating Diplomatic Tensions: Algeria Expels French Officials Amid Kidnapping Allegations
Algeria's recent expulsion of 12 French embassy officials signals a steep decline in diplomatic relations fueled by a high-profile kidnapping case.
Amid heightened tensions between Algeria and France, the Algerian Foreign Ministry announced the expulsion of 12 French diplomats, demanding their departure within 48 hours. The move comes after the arrest of an Algerian official in France, accused of orchestrating the kidnapping of the influencer known as Amir DZ.
The ministry accused the French government of attempting to “humiliate Algeria” and disregarding the diplomatic status of the implicated agent. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot responded firmly, expressing readiness to retaliate against Algeria's decision, emphasizing a tight timeframe for the Algerian authorities to reverse their actions.
Amir DZ, who fled to France in 2016, was granted political asylum in 2023 amidst numerous Algerian attempts to have him extradited, involving multiple international arrest warrants related to allegations of fraud and terrorism.
Political scientist Khadija Mohsen-Finan reflects on the historical complexities influencing current relations, noting the enduring trauma from Algeria's past with France, characterized by a brutal colonial rule that lasted over a century, culminating in Algeria’s independence in 1962 after a fierce war.
Despite attempts to mend relations, such as Barrot’s recent visit to Algiers and President Emmanuel Macron's call to President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, the diplomatic landscape remains strained. The historical grievances have resurfaced, particularly following France's backing of Morocco in the Western Sahara conflict, further complicating the reconciliation efforts. Adding to the tensions, the arrest of Algerian-French writer Boualem Sansal, who is accused of undermining national unity, has drawn ire from Macron and others advocating for his release.
The situation underscores the fragile nature of traditions of diplomacy that persist through complex legacies, as both nations navigate their intertwined histories and contemporary geopolitical tensions.
