Expulsion of 12 French Officials from Algeria: French Foreign Minister Warns of Consequences and Vows a Response
ALDAR/
In a new development likely to escalate tensions between Paris and Algiers, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot described Algeria’s decision to expel twelve officials from the French Interior Ministry as “regrettable” and warned that it “will not go unanswered.”
Speaking to France 2, Barrot stated that France would take reciprocal measures if Algeria continued down what he called a “path of escalation.” He clarified that the expulsion was a response to the arrest and indictment in France of an Algerian consular agent—an event Algeria viewed as a violation of its sovereignty.
The Algerian authorities declared the twelve French officials persona non grata, giving them 48 hours to leave the country. They also held French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau “fully responsible” for the diplomatic fallout—an accusation France rejected, stressing the independence of its judiciary.
Barrot emphasized that the French judicial system operates independently and that the ongoing investigation is part of a broader case involving terrorism. Three individuals, one of whom works at an Algerian consulate in France, were indicted for unlawful arrest, abduction, and detention with suspected links to a terrorist organization.
The case revolves around Algerian opposition figure Amir Boukhors, known online as “Amir DZ.” The suspects face charges of kidnapping and detaining him as part of a criminal terrorist network and have been placed in pre-trial detention.
Despite the escalation, the French foreign minister expressed a desire to keep communication channels open with Algeria and called on the authorities to reconsider their decision. He underlined the importance of restoring normal relations, which he said serve the interests of both nations.
“We’re not seeking confrontation. We want to move past these disputes,” Barrot concluded. “But Algeria must also take responsibility for the consequences of its choices ».
