France-Algeria Tensions Escalate Amid Diplomatic Expulsions and Historical Grievances

Algiers/Paris — Diplomatic relations between Algeria and France have plunged into renewed tension following Algeria’s decision to expel multiple French officials, a move that France has described as “brutal” and “incomprehensible.” The worsening ties come despite ongoing efforts by French President Emmanuel Macron to foster reconciliation with Algeria, a former French colony and Africa’s largest country by land area.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot condemned the expulsions, calling them counterproductive. “This is an incomprehensible and brutal decision,” Barrot said while speaking in Normandy. “We will respond immediately, firmly, and in a manner proportionate to the harm it is doing to our interests.” He added, “It is a decision that I deplore because it is neither in the interests of Algeria nor in the interests of France.”

A French diplomatic source, speaking on condition of anonymity to AFP, confirmed that Algeria had summoned the charge d’affaires of the French embassy in Algiers on Sunday to notify him of the expulsion orders. The officials being expelled were reportedly on temporary reinforcement missions, though the exact number and the timeline for their departure were not disclosed.

This latest episode marks a continuation of tit-for-tat expulsions that began in April, when France expelled 12 Algerian diplomats in retaliation for Algeria’s earlier order for 12 French officials to leave, following the arrest of an Algerian official in France.

Tensions had already been mounting since France’s 2023 recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over the disputed Western Sahara region a territory where Algeria supports the pro-independence Polisario Front. The arrest and imprisonment of prominent French-Algerian author Boualem Sansal in Algeria last November on national security charges has further exacerbated the situation.

Relations between the two nations remain heavily influenced by their colonial past. The brutal 1954 1962 Algerian War of Independence, which led to Algeria’s freedom from French rule, is still a source of deep historical trauma. The conflict saw widespread human rights violations, including arbitrary killings and detentions by French forces, issues that continue to hinder genuine reconciliation.

Despite Macron’s gestures aimed at mending ties, including official visits and symbolic acknowledgments of past wrongdoings, the fragile relationship remains volatile, with each new diplomatic crisis adding fuel to historical resentment.

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