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France-Algeria tensions flare again over consulate employee's arrest and expulsions

After only a few days of calm, the diplomatic crisis between France and Algeria has reignited. Algeria has expelled 12 staff members from the French embassy in Algiers in response to France's arrest of an employee at the Algerian consulate, who is suspected of involvement in the kidnapping of an Algerian dissident. In a swift response, French President Emmanuel Macron announced today that France would take reciprocal measures, including the expulsion of «12 employees from the Algerian consular and diplomatic network in France». The French ambassador to Algeria, Stéphane Romatet, has also been recalled for consultations. A statement from the Élysée Palace held Algeria responsible for the renewed tensions, expressing «dismay» at the latest escalation. This deterioration comes despite a phone call between Macron and his Algerian counterpart, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, just two weeks ago, which had raised hopes of a thaw following months of strained relations. The Élysée condemned Algeria's expulsion decision as a «disregard for the basic rules of our judicial procedures», calling the move «unjustified and incomprehensible». On the Algerian side, officials blamed French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau for the fresh crisis. However, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot pushed back, stating that Retailleau «has nothing to do with this judicial matter». Barrot emphasized that «the judiciary is independent, and this is a legal process that began months ago, unrelated to the dialogue we resumed» with Algerian authorities in March. Posting on X, Barrot—who visited Algiers in early April—wrote: Les autorités algériennes ont choisi l'escalade : nous répliquons comme annoncé. En réponse à leur décision injustifiée et incompréhensible, nous expulsons 12 agents algériens et rappelons pour consultations notre ambassadeur. Le dialogue, toujours, mais pas à sens unique. — Jean-Noël Barrot (@jnbarrot) April 15, 2025 Notably, France's National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor's Office charged three men in Paris last Friday—one of whom is an employee at an Algerian consulate—with abduction, kidnapping, and arbitrary detention as part of a terrorist plot. La justice est indépendante. Si l'Algérie persiste à vouloir expulser douze fonctionnaires français du fait d'une procédure judiciaire indépendante, nous devrons prendre des mesures similaires. — Jean-Noël Barrot (@jnbarrot) April 15, 2025 The case dates back to late April 2024, when Algerian dissident and influencer Amir Boukhris was abducted on French soil. Algeria had repeatedly requested his extradition for trial. The three suspects have been indicted for forming a «criminal terrorist gang» and are currently in pre-trial detention.