Diplomatic Crisis Deepens: France Retaliates After Algeria Expels Officials

In a significant escalation of diplomatic tensions, France has expelled 12 Algerian consular and diplomatic officials and recalled its ambassador from Algiers. This move comes in direct retaliation after Algeria ordered 12 French officials from the interior ministry to leave the country within 48 hours on Sunday, April 13, 2025.

French President Emmanuel Macron's office announced the expulsions on Tuesday, April 15, stating that the 12 French officials who were expelled from Algeria were already "on their way to France." The Élysée Palace expressed being "stunned" by the sudden deterioration in bilateral relations, especially considering that the leaders of both nations had engaged in a phone call just two weeks prior in an attempt to repair ties.

The French government has called on Algeria to "resume dialogue" while also making it clear that France would "defend its interests" and continue to demand that Algeria fulfill its obligations, particularly regarding national security and migration cooperation.

According to Algeria's foreign ministry, the initial expulsion of French officials was prompted by the arrest of an Algerian consular official in France. However, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot linked the Algerian action to the arrest of three Algerian nationals in France and warned that the expulsions "will have consequences."

Relations between the two countries have been under increasing strain since last year when France recognized Moroccan sovereignty over the disputed Western Sahara territory, where Algeria has long supported the pro-independence Polisario Front. The situation worsened following the arrest of French-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal in November on national security charges after comments he made to French media regarding territorial disputes.

Another point of contention is Algeria's refusal to accept the return of its nationals whom France has ordered to leave, including a 37-year-old man who carried out a fatal stabbing attack in the French city of Mulhouse in February.

This diplomatic crisis represents a significant reversal of what had appeared to be a thawing relationship between the former colonial power and Algeria, highlighting the fragile nature of their historical and political ties.