Overview
- Algeria has expelled 12 French embassy officials in response to the arrest of three Algerian nationals in France, including a consular official, accused of involvement in the 2024 kidnapping of dissident Amir Boukhors.
- French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot has condemned the expulsions, calling them unjustified, and warned of immediate retaliatory measures if Algeria proceeds with the order.
- Amir Boukhors, a critic of the Algerian government granted asylum in France, was abducted in April 2024 but released after 24 hours; Algeria has demanded his extradition, which France has refused.
- This latest escalation follows months of strained relations over colonial legacies, Algeria's support for Western Sahara's independence, and France's backing of Morocco's autonomy plan for the region.
- Despite the heightened tensions, French diplomatic sources have indicated that backchannel communications are ongoing, signaling a potential interest in de-escalation.