Tensions Escalate: Algeria Expels French Embassy Staff Amid Kidnapping Controversy
France is grappling with a significant diplomatic crisis following Algeria's decision to expel 12 embassy staff members. This move comes in response to the arrest of an Algerian consulate official in Paris, who is allegedly involved in the kidnapping of TikTok influencer Amir Boukhors. The situation has exacerbated an already fragile relationship between the two nations, which has faced multiple strains in recent months.
Algiers has given French representatives 48 hours to vacate the country, prompting stern warnings from French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot. He stated that if the expulsions proceed, France would have no choice but to retaliate swiftly. The incident surrounding Boukhors has drawn international attention; he is a vocal critic of Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and boasts over a million TikTok followers under the handle Amir DZ. Boukhors has been living in France since 2016, having been granted political asylum earlier this year.
The Algerian government has issued nine international arrest warrants against Boukhors for alleged charges of fraud and terrorism, though France has consistently refused to extradite him. In a shocking incident in April 2024, Boukhors was reportedly kidnapped outside his residence in Val-de-Marne, a suburb of Paris. He recounted to France 2 television that he was ambushed by men in police uniforms, drugged, and confined for over 24 hours before being released.
Following the kidnapping, three men have been arrested, one of whom is associated with the Algerian consulate in Créteil, southeast of Paris. This arrest has further irritated tensions between France and Algeria. Barrot had just concluded a diplomatic visit to Algeria a week prior, during which he met with President Tebboune. In a bid to mend ties, Barrot urged Algerian authorities to rescind the expulsion orders, emphasizing that these actions are unrelated to the ongoing legal matters.
The relationship between Paris and Algiers has been particularly tense since last year when France backed a Moroccan initiative for western Sahara autonomy, opposing the Algerian-supported insurgents seeking full independence. Additionally, France has accused Algeria of neglecting to repatriate nationals considered security threats, prompting France to threaten a reduction in visa allocations for Algerians.
French President Emmanuel Macron has also called for the release of writer Boualem Sansal, who is currently serving a five-year sentence for allegedly undermining the country's integrity. In response to the recent developments, Algeria summoned the French ambassador, Stéphane Romatet, registering its displeasure over the arrest of its official and condemning the lack of prior notification through diplomatic channels.
The Algerian Foreign Ministry has deemed the arrest and subsequent diplomatic spat "unacceptable and unspeakable," indicating that it could jeopardize future relations. As the deadline for the expulsion approaches, both nations stand at a crossroads, with potential diplomatic repercussions that could impact not only bilateral relations but also broader regional stability.
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