Overview

• France expelled 12 Algerian consular and diplomatic agents and recalled its ambassador to Algeria, Stéphane Romatet, for consultations.
• The move follows Algeria's expulsion of 12 French officials on April 13, citing the detention of an Algerian consular official in France linked to a kidnapping case.
• French authorities accused Algeria of causing a severe degradation of bilateral relations and called for responsible dialogue to address the crisis.
• The dispute centers on the detention of Algerians, including a consular agent, in France over the alleged kidnapping of Algerian influencer Amir DZ, an outspoken critic of Algeria's government.
• This escalation highlights broader tensions between the two nations, including disputes over security, migration, and judicial sovereignty.