Diplomatic Crisis Escalates: Algeria Expels 12 French Agents, Paris Threatens Immediate Retaliation
Algeria expelled 12 French embassy agents amidst escalating tensions following France's arrest of three Algerian nationals. This unprecedented move prompted France to threaten reprisals if reversed. Both nations are entrenched in accusations, complicating efforts to mend historically strained relations as the situation continues to evolve amid international scrutiny.
hassan benyoub 
In a dramatic escalation of tensions, Algeria expelled 12 French embassy agents from Algiers on Sunday, April 13, 2025, prompting France to warn of "immediate reprisals" if the decision is not reversed. The move, described as unprecedented since Algeria’s independence in 1962, follows France’s arrest of three Algerian nationals, intensifying a diplomatic standoff between the two nations.
Algeria’s Expulsion Order Sparks Outrage
Algerian authorities issued a 48-hour ultimatum for the 12 French agents to leave the country, a decision tied to the arrest of three Algerians in France on Friday, including a consular official. The trio faces charges of "arrest, kidnapping, arbitrary detention" and "criminal terrorist association" linked to an April 2024 attempted abduction of Algerian influencer Amir Boukhors, known as Amir DZ. Boukhors, a vocal critic of Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, has lived in France since 2016 under political asylum and faces multiple arrest warrants from Algiers.
Algeria’s Foreign Ministry condemned the arrests as an "unacceptable and unjustifiable development," accusing France of orchestrating a "judicial campaign" against its consular agent. On Saturday, Algeria summoned French Ambassador Stéphane Romatet to lodge a formal protest, claiming the arrests violated diplomatic conventions.
France Vows Swift Response
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot called on Algeria to reverse the expulsions, describing them as unrelated to France’s ongoing judicial process. "We have worked with the Algerian government to rebuild dialogue for the benefit of both nations," Barrot said, referencing his April 6 visit to Algiers, where he met with counterpart Ahmed Attaf and President Tebboune. That meeting aimed to ease months of friction over issues like the Western Sahara conflict, the detention of writer Boualem Sansal, and the deportation of Algerian nationals.
Barrot warned that if the expulsions proceed, France would have "no choice but to respond immediately." While Paris has not detailed its potential measures, sources suggest options could include visa restrictions, cuts to development aid, or economic sanctions.
A Deepening Diplomatic Rift
The expulsions mark a low point in France-Algeria relations, already strained by historical tensions and recent disputes. The incident threatens to unravel fragile efforts to mend ties, with both sides digging in amid mutual accusations of overreach.
As the 48-hour deadline looms, the international community watches closely, bracing for further fallout in this high-stakes diplomatic crisis.
