Escalating Diplomatic Crisis: Algeria Expels 12 French Officials Amid Kidnapping Allegations

The strained relationship between Algeria and France highlights enduring historical tensions, exacerbated by recent events, including a kidnapping case involving a political influencer.

Tensions between Algeria and France have once again escalated, leading to the expulsion of 12 French officials from the Algerian Embassy and consulates. This diplomatic rift was triggered by the recent arrest of an Algerian official in France, who is alleged to have been involved in the kidnapping of influencer “Amir DZ,” who had been granted political asylum in France.

The Algerian Foreign Ministry, in an announcement on Monday, stated that the French officials had just 48 hours to leave the country. The ministry condemned the actions of the French authorities, describing the move as a "disgraceful act" that fails to respect the consular status of its representatives.

In response, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot expressed readiness to retaliate, declaring, “We are ready to act.” He urged the Algerian government to reconsider its decision as time was running out.

Amir DZ, who has lived in France since 2016 and was granted political asylum in 2023, is a contentious figure. Algeria has long pressured for his extradition, issuing various international warrants against him for charges that include fraud and terrorism, all of which have been dismissed by French courts.

Political tensions between the two nations remain significant, as both sides recall a fraught historical background. Algeria won its independence from French colonial rule in 1962 after a brutal war, but issues stemming from that era still influence contemporary relations. According to Khadija Mohsen-Finan, a political scientist at the University of Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne, "Neither societies have moved on from trauma, so there are always people in Algeria and in France who have an interest in torpedoing this climate of appeasement."

Last week, Barrot attempted to mend relations during a visit to Algiers, seeking to alleviate a diplomatic crisis that has persisted for nearly a year. This effort followed a call between French President Emmanuel Macron and Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune toward the end of March, which seemed promising but ultimately did not yield lasting improvements.

Relations weakened even further last summer when Macron expressed support for Morocco’s claims over Western Sahara, a territory contested by Algeria. Additionally, arrests of French-Algerian figures, such as writer Boualem Sansal, on accusations of undermining national unity, have further strained diplomatic ties. Macron has publicly decried Sansal’s five-year prison sentence, underscoring his commitment to freedom of expression.

As tensions rise, both nations navigate a complex web of historical grievances and contemporary political dynamics, signaling a potentially volatile moment in their already troubled relationship.