Paris: France announced on Monday that Algeria has threatened to expel 12 French diplomats, escalating a diplomatic standoff between the two countries. In response, France has warned it will retaliate swiftly if Algeria follows through on the expulsions.
The dispute stems from Algeria's outrage over the arrest of one of its consular officials in France. The diplomat is suspected of being involved in the kidnapping of Algerian political dissident Amir Boukhors. According to French media, the detained official is among three individuals under investigation in the case.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot stated, "The Algerian authorities have given our diplomats 48 hours to leave Algerian soil. If they proceed with this decision, we will be forced to respond immediately."
Relations between the two nations—already strained due to historical tensions—deteriorated further last year when French President Emmanuel Macron publicly supported Morocco’s claims over Western Sahara, a move that provoked backlash from Algiers. Ironically, just days ago, Barrot had indicated that relations were beginning to improve following his official visit to Algeria.
