Algiers: Diplomatic tensions flared between Algeria and France on Saturday after Algiers strongly objected to the arrest of one of its consular staff members in France. The official is accused of involvement in the abduction of Amir Boukhors, a known critic of the Algerian government, according to French media reports.
In a statement, the Algerian Foreign Ministry criticized the move, calling it an "unprecedented judicial escalation" that threatens to derail recent efforts to restore bilateral relations. The ministry warned that the incident would have serious repercussions for future cooperation between the two nations.
French authorities have reportedly placed three individuals under investigation, including the Algerian diplomat, as part of the inquiry into Boukhors' alleged kidnapping.
Algeria denounced the development as "unjustified and unacceptable," and described Boukhors as "a saboteur affiliated with terrorist organizations."
Relations between France and Algeria have long been strained, with recent friction resurfacing last July when President Emmanuel Macron endorsed Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara, a stance that infuriated Algiers.
In another source of contention, a French-Algerian author, Boualem Sansal, was handed a five-year prison sentence in Algeria last month for allegedly threatening national unity—a move that drew criticism from Macron, who urged his release.
Despite these flashpoints, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot recently suggested that relations were improving, citing productive talks with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. However, this latest dispute could reignite diplomatic strains.
