Algeria has given 12 French diplomats 48 hours to leave the country, escalating tensions between the North African nation and its former colonial power, France.
The expulsion order, announced on April 14, 2025, follows the indictment of three Algerians, including a consular official, in connection with the abduction of Algerian influencer Amir Boukhors, also known as “Amir DZ.”
The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the move, calling it a direct response to the arrest of the Algerians in France and warning of possible retaliatory measures.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot urged Algerian authorities to reverse the expulsion decision, emphasizing that if the decision stood, France would respond accordingly.
“I am asking Algerian authorities to abandon these expulsion measures… if the decision to send back our officials is maintained, we will have no other choice but to respond immediately,” Barrot stated.
The 12 diplomats targeted in the expulsion order include individuals from the French Interior Ministry and other government officials.
This move comes at a particularly sensitive time in French-Algerian relations, as both nations had recently made efforts to mend ties after years of historical and political discord.
However, the ongoing diplomatic dispute over the case of Boukhors, who has been vocal against the Algerian government, has further strained the relationship.
Boukhors, a well-known figure with over a million followers on TikTok, was abducted in a Paris suburb in April 2024. His kidnapping, allegedly orchestrated by individuals with ties to the Algerian government, has sparked widespread controversy.
Boukhors had been granted political asylum in France in 2023, but Algerian authorities have issued nine international arrest warrants against him, accusing him of fraud and terrorist offenses.
According to his lawyer, Boukhors was released the day after his abduction, but the incident has left a lasting impact on the diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Algerian authorities have expressed their intention to bring Boukhors back to face trial in Algeria. The government claims that the influencer’s actions, particularly his criticism of the regime, have undermined national security.
However, critics argue that the charges against Boukhors are politically motivated, designed to silence a prominent government critic.
The diplomatic standoff between Algeria and France reflects broader geopolitical tensions, as both countries grapple with their colonial past and ongoing disputes over issues such as human rights and freedom of expression.
While Algeria continues to pursue its legal case against Boukhors, the expulsion of French diplomats highlights the increasingly precarious nature of the relationship between the two nations.
As both countries brace for potential retaliation, the situation remains fluid. The expulsion of French diplomats could have far-reaching consequences, potentially affecting trade relations and cooperation on key regional issues such as counterterrorism and migration.
For now, the international community watches closely as Algeria and France navigate this latest chapter in their complex and often fraught relationship.
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