Overview

• France expelled 12 Algerian consular and diplomatic agents and recalled its ambassador to Algiers, Stéphane Romatet, in response to Algeria's expulsion of 12 French diplomats.
• Algeria's expulsions were triggered by the arrest and detention of three Algerian nationals, including a consular agent, in France over an alleged kidnapping case.
• The Élysée has accused Algeria of escalating tensions and undermining bilateral relations, while urging a return to dialogue.
• Efforts at reconciliation earlier this month, including a phone call between Presidents Macron and Tebboune and a diplomatic visit by Foreign Minister Barrot, have unraveled.
• The crisis has led to cancellations of political and business engagements, deepening economic and diplomatic fallout between the two countries.