Algeria’s expulsion of 12 French consular staff seems to have dashed any hopes for a swift improvement in relations between the two nations.
This action follows the filing of charges in France against an Algerian consular official, who, along with two others, is accused of involvement in the kidnapping of an opposition dissident in the Paris suburbs last year.
Algiers perceives the official’s arrest as a blatant violation of the immunities and privileges associated with his diplomatic role. The state-run news agency APS stated, ‘This unprecedented judicial incident… is not coincidental. Its aim is to undermine the revival of bilateral relations agreed upon by the two heads of state.
‘ A phone conversation between French President Emmanuel Macron and Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune at the end of March had initially hinted at a potential reconciliation after a prolonged period of tension.
Following that, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot visited Algiers last week, indicating a mutual desire to move forward.
However, this significant escalation—the largest expulsion of French consular staff since Algeria gained independence in 1962—indicates that anti-French sentiments remain strong within the Algerian government.
It is clear that the primary target of Algeria’s criticism is not Macron himself, but rather members of his administration, particularly Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, a right-wing conservative known for his stringent views on immigration, law enforcement, and relations with Algeria, who is also eyeing the next presidential election in France.
Algiers is alleging that Retailleau is involved in the detention of its consular official, implicitly accusing the interior minister of attempting to disrupt Macron’s more balanced approach to the ongoing crisis in bilateral relations.
Notably, among the 12 officials expelled, several are from the French interior ministry, indicating their connection to Retailleau.
Algerian commentators frequently criticize the French right and far-right for their excessive influence in Paris and for attempting to damage diplomatic ties.
However, they have recently shown a more lenient attitude towards Macron, despite his role in escalating the crisis last July by announcing a strategic pivot towards Algeria’s historical adversary, Morocco.
Since that announcement, the deterioration in relations has reached unprecedented levels since Algeria gained independence. Both trade and intelligence cooperation have been adversely affected, and harsh exchanges have occurred regarding anti-French Algerian social media influencers.
France has accused Algeria of not accepting the return of deported citizens, while Algeria has countered with claims of harassment against its diplomats.
The most alarming indication of this rift was the November arrest of Franco-Algerian author Boualem Sansal at Algiers airport. At 80 years old and battling cancer, he has since received a five-year prison sentence for offenses against state security.
