France to Expel Algerian Diplomats as Diplomatic Crisis Deepens

Paris, The Gulf Observer: France will expel Algerian diplomats in a tit-for-tat response to Algeria’s recent decision to send more French officials home, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot announced on Wednesday. The move marks a further escalation in an already tense diplomatic standoff between the two countries.

Speaking on BFMTV, Barrot described Algeria’s actions as “unjustified and unjustifiable,” and said France’s response would be “perfectly proportionate.” He confirmed that Algeria’s chargé d’affaires would be summoned and officially informed of the French decision.

Barrot did not disclose the number of Algerian diplomats being expelled but made clear that bilateral relations are now “totally blocked.”

Tit-for-Tat Expulsions

The latest fallout follows Algeria’s decision to expel several French officials serving on temporary reinforcement missions. A French diplomatic source said these personnel were not permanent staff but declined to give details on their number or departure timeline.

France had already taken action in April by expelling 12 Algerian diplomats and consular officials and recalling its ambassador, after Algeria ordered a similar number of French personnel to leave. That diplomatic rift was sparked by the arrest of an Algerian official on French soil.

Growing Tensions

Relations between France and Algeria have been steadily deteriorating over the past year. A major flashpoint came when France formally recognized Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara — a disputed region where Algeria supports the pro-independence Polisario Front.

Tensions flared again when French-Algerian author Boualem Sansal was arrested in Algeria in November 2024 and charged with national security offenses, prompting an outcry from Paris and human rights groups.

Historical Shadows

The diplomatic chill is not only fueled by present-day disagreements but also by long-standing historical grievances. France’s colonial rule in Algeria and the bloody 1954–1962 war of independence continue to cast a shadow over relations. Reconciliation efforts have frequently stumbled, with both sides accusing the other of failing to confront historical truths.

No Quick Resolution in Sight

Barrot’s latest remarks underscore a growing sense of stalemate. “Ties are now completely frozen,” he said, reflecting a breakdown in the kind of high-level dialogue that had previously been used to manage such tensions.

The diplomatic rupture comes at a time when both countries face domestic challenges and are trying to assert influence in North Africa and the broader Mediterranean region. Analysts warn that prolonged strain between Paris and Algiers could complicate cooperation on key issues including migration, counterterrorism, and regional stability.

Whether backchannels or broader European mediation efforts might bring the two sides back to the table remains to be seen. For now, both nations appear entrenched in a hardening diplomatic standoff.