Escalating Diplomatic Crisis: France and Algeria Expel Each Other’s Officials
France expels 12 Algerian officials in retaliation for Algeria's expulsion of French diplomats amid rising tensions over a kidnapping case.
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Overview
France has expelled 12 Algerian diplomatic officials and recalled its ambassador following Algeria's similar expulsion of French diplomats related to a kidnapping case involving a prominent Algerian influencer. The spat has escalated tensions that were already strained due to France's support for Morocco's autonomy plan for Western Sahara and recent arrests in both countries. Algeria has issued arrest warrants for the influencer, Amir Boukhors, while France condemns the latest moves as unjustified and damaging to bilateral relations. The situation marks a notable deterioration in ties since a brief moment of rapprochement earlier this month.
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Analysis
- Tensions between France and Algeria have escalated following mutual expulsions of diplomatic officials, with Algeria responding to France's arrest of an Algerian consular official implicated in a kidnapping case.
- The deteriorating relations are rooted in France's support for Morocco's autonomy plan over Western Sahara and Algeria's contention that the arrest of their diplomatic staff violates diplomatic protocols.
- French officials condemn Algeria's actions as unjustified, indicating that dialogue between the two nations cannot be one-sided and emphasizing the importance of diplomatic relations.
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FAQ
The kidnapping case involves Amir Boukhors, an Algerian influencer and government critic, who was abducted in a Paris suburb in April 2024. French authorities arrested several Algerians, including a consular official, alleging their involvement in the abduction and conspiracy charges.
France expelled 12 Algerian diplomats and recalled its ambassador after Algeria ordered 12 French diplomats to leave, declaring them 'personae non gratae'. Both countries have threatened reciprocal actions in response to the expulsions.
France-Algeria relations are strained due to historical grievances, France's support for Morocco's autonomy plan for Western Sahara, and recent arrests in both countries. These issues have contributed to the volatility and deterioration of diplomatic ties.
Algeria views the arrest of its consular official as a violation of diplomatic immunity and sees the expulsions as a necessary response. France considers Algeria's actions unjustified and threatens retaliation, emphasizing the seriousness of the criminal charges involved.
History
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