France has decided to expel 12 employees of Algeria’s diplomatic missions from the country and recall its ambassador for consultations in response to a similar move by the Algerian side.
The diplomatic dispute began when France detained a representative of the Algerian consulate, who is believed to be involved in the abduction of an opposition Algerian activist.
At the end of last week, three individuals, including the mentioned consular employee, were charged in Paris with abduction, arbitrary detention, and the creation of a criminal terrorist organization. All were kept in custody.
Afterward, Algeria declared 12 employees of France’s Ministry of the Interior persona non grata in the country.
French President Emmanuel Macron stated that France, in response, would expel 12 Algerian representatives and recall its ambassador to Algeria for consultations. “The Algerian side is responsible for the sharp deterioration of our bilateral relations,” the Élysée Palace said.
Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, who had visited Algeria earlier this month to improve relations, said that Algeria “chose escalation.”
In Algeria, however, the responsibility for the escalation is placed on French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, who has also been putting pressure on Algeria on the migration issue.
In response, the French Foreign Minister emphasized that Retailleau personally had no connection to the cause of the current scandal and that the French law enforcement and judicial system are independent. Barrot added that Algeria “must continue to honor its commitments” in cooperation on migration and security, despite the tension between the two countries.
Retailleau, in his latest comments, said he believed France’s response was proportional. “It is unacceptable for France to be a playing field for Algerian intelligence services,” he said, referring to the abduction of the activist.
