France has announced the expulsion of Algerian diplomats in a retaliatory move following Algeria’s decision to expel 15 French officials from Algiers on Sunday, May 11.
The escalating diplomatic standoff signals a further deterioration in relations between the two nations, threatening economic ties and cross-border cooperation.
In a statement, France’s Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs confirmed that Algerian officials were summoned to be informed of the decision, which was described as an act of “strict reciprocity.”
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While the exact number of Algerian diplomats expelled was not disclosed, France urged Algeria to “demonstrate responsibility” and return to the “demanding and constructive dialogue” previously initiated by both sides for the benefit of their mutual interests.
Speaking to French broadcaster BFMTV, Foreign Minister Noël Barrot was candid about the decision: “The Algerians wanted to send back our agents; we are sending theirs back.”
The move marks a significant breach of a 2013 agreement that allowed visa-free travel for individuals holding diplomatic passports between the two countries.
Algeria justified its expulsion of French officials by accusing France of violating diplomatic procedures, particularly in the assignment of new diplomats to replace a group expelled last month. The latest measures come amid longstanding tensions between France and Algeria, rooted in historical grievances over French colonialism and more recent disagreements on issues like immigration and regional geopolitics.
A key flashpoint emerged last year when France shifted its position on the disputed Western Sahara, endorsing Morocco’s sovereignty plan. Algeria, which supports the pro-independence Polisario Front and views the Morocco-controlled territory as Africa’s last colony, saw this as a betrayal, further straining relations.
The diplomatic fallout now risks disrupting over $12 billion in annual bilateral trade and creating challenges for the hundreds of thousands of Algerian-born residents in France who frequently travel between the two nations.
