BREAKING: France To Expel 12 Algerian Diplomats, Recalls Ambassador Following Rising Tensions

France has announced it will expel 12 members of Algeria’s consular and diplomatic network and has recalled its ambassador to Algiers for consultations, deepening an already fragile relationship between the two nations.

The decision, confirmed by the French presidency on Tuesday, follows Algeria’s protest over the detention of one of its consular agents in France. The agent is suspected of involvement in the kidnapping of an Algerian opposition activist. In response, Algeria expelled 12 French diplomatic staff.

France and Algeria share a long and often tense history, rooted in colonialism and marked by recurring diplomatic rifts. Tensions were reignited last year when French President Emmanuel Macron publicly supported Morocco’s claim over the disputed Western Sahara region, a stance that angered Algiers and worsened relations.

Despite the diplomatic strains, there had recently been signs of rapprochement. Just last week, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot expressed optimism about the state of Franco-Algerian ties, saying relations were “returning to normal.”

This latest tit-for-tat expulsion underscores the fragility of the relationship and raises fresh concerns over regional diplomacy in North Africa.