France has expelled several Algerian officials with diplomatic passports who lacked visas, a retaliatory step following Algeria’s recent expulsion of 15 French diplomats. The French Foreign Ministry summoned Algeria’s chargé d’affaires to formally deliver the decision and warned of potential further actions depending on how the situation unfolds.
This exchange marks a sharp deterioration in an already fraught relationship shaped by colonial history and recent political disagreements. Tensions flared last year when French President Emmanuel Macron voiced support for Morocco in the Western Sahara dispute, drawing sharp criticism from Algiers. Although diplomatic ties briefly improved after French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot’s visit to Algiers, the mutual expulsions have reignited hostilities.
Barrot declared that relations between the two nations are now “totally blocked,” calling Algeria’s actions “unjustified” and pledging a strong and proportionate French response. The growing rift has broad implications for trade, regional security, and the millions of citizens in France with Algerian heritage. It also highlights the deep-rooted challenges in reconciling historical grievances with present-day geopolitical interests.
Both governments now face mounting pressure to de-escalate and rebuild diplomatic dialogue to avoid a prolonged freeze in bilateral relations.
