Algeria has escalated diplomatic tensions with France by ordering the departure of a dozen French officials within 48 hours, signaling a significant shift in relations between the two countries. This decision follows the recent indictment of three Algerian nationals in France, who are accused of kidnapping Amir Boukhors, a prominent social media influencer and vocal critic of the Algerian government.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot commented on the situation, asserting that the expulsion order is directly linked to the ongoing case against the three Algerians. He urged Algerian authorities to reconsider their actions, suggesting that continued measures could elicit a robust response from France. Sources have indicated that those targeted for expulsion include individuals from the French Ministry of the Interior, exacerbating the already strained diplomatic ties.
Last week, French prosecutors formally charged the three Algerian nationals, one of whom holds a position in the consular service, for their alleged roles in the kidnapping of Boukhors. This high-profile case has drawn international attention, underscoring growing concerns regarding the treatment of dissenting voices in Algeria. The social media influencer, known as “Amir DZ,” boasts a following of over one million on TikTok and has been granted asylum in France.
Boukhors was abducted in a Paris suburb in April 2022 but was released the following day. Algiers has since issued multiple international arrest warrants for Boukhors, accusing him of fraud and terrorism, demanding his return to face trial. This situation illustrates the complexities surrounding political dissent within Algeria, as well as the delicacy of its international relations.
The current diplomatic spat risks derailing recent efforts to mend ties between Algeria and France, particularly following Barrot’s recent visit to Algiers aimed at improving relations. Tensions have been palpable since last July, when French President Emmanuel Macron acknowledged Morocco’s autonomy plan for the Western Sahara, which antagonized Algeria. Furthermore, the sentencing of Boualem Sansal, a French-Algerian writer, to five years in prison on charges of undermining national unity has added to the friction.
If Algeria implements its expulsion order, it would mark a historic moment—being the first time since the country gained independence in 1962 that French diplomats would be removed. As both nations seek to navigate this complex landscape, the ongoing developments will be closely monitored by international observers.
#MiddleEastNews #PoliticsNews