France has announced the expulsion of 12 Algerian diplomatic staff and recalled its ambassador from Algiers, in a sharp escalation of tensions between the two countries.
The decision, confirmed on Tuesday by French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, comes just a day after Algeria ordered 12 French officials to leave its territory within 48 hours. The diplomatic fallout follows the indictment in Paris of three individuals, including a staff member from an Algerian consulate, on charges related to terrorism.
“In response to their unjustified and incomprehensible decision, we are expelling 12 Algerian agents and recalling our ambassador for consultations,” Barrot posted on social media platform X. “Dialogue is always welcome, but not one-sided.”
The French anti-terrorism prosecutor’s office said the three suspects are facing charges including kidnapping, unlawful detention, and association with a terrorist organization.
Algeria’s move to expel French officials is believed to be linked to the arrest of one of the suspects with diplomatic ties. French authorities, however, have stood by the legal action, saying it followed due process under national security laws.
Barrot earlier described Algeria’s actions as “regrettable” and warned that they would not go unanswered.
The diplomatic spat adds fresh strain to already delicate Franco-Algerian relations, which have been tested in recent months over issues ranging from visa restrictions to historical grievances and regional rivalries — including France’s growing alignment with Morocco over the Western Sahara dispute.