Algeria has ordered 12 French officials to leave the country within 48 hours, escalating tensions between the two nations following the arrest of three Algerian nationals in France, including a consular employee. The expulsions were confirmed on Monday by French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, who warned of reciprocal action if Algeria does not reverse its decision. “I am asking Algerian authorities to abandon these expulsion measures. If maintained, we will have no other choice but to respond immediately,” Barrot said during a press briefing.
A diplomatic source in Paris said the expelled individuals include personnel from the French Interior Ministry, suggesting the Algerian move targets officials involved in national security and migration matters. The dispute stems from the April 2024 abduction of Amir Boukhors, a prominent Algerian dissident and social media influencer known online as “Amir DZ.” French prosecutors charged three Algerian nationals — one of whom reportedly works at Algeria’s consulate in Paris — with kidnapping and conspiracy after Boukhors was allegedly abducted from a suburb in Paris.
Boukhors, who has over a million followers on TikTok, is a fierce critic of the Algerian regime. He was granted political asylum in France in 2023, making his abduction and alleged forced repatriation attempt a serious diplomatic violation under international law. Algeria has long sought Boukhors’ extradition, issuing nine international arrest warrants accusing him of fraud and terrorism-related offenses. French authorities have refused to comply, citing Boukhors’ protected legal status.
This diplomatic fallout comes amid already strained relations between Algiers and Paris, rooted in their colonial history and contentious cooperation on migration and counterterrorism. Despite high-level meetings and pledges to rebuild ties in recent years, the latest developments risk further unraveling diplomatic progress. Analysts suggest that France’s next steps may include reciprocal expulsions or a reevaluation of bilateral agreements.
