Algeria orders expulsion of 12 French diplomats amid tensions

Algeria has ordered 12 French embassy officials to leave the country within 48 hours, escalating tensions between the two nations. This decision follows the indictment of three Algerian nationals, including a consular official, in relation to the kidnapping of exiled Algerian influencer Amir Boukhors, known as 'Amir DZ'. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot has denounced the expulsion as 'unjustified' and warned of immediate reprisals if the order is enforced. Algeria's government claims the arrests were politically motivated and detrimental to efforts to mend ties with France. Boukhors, a vocal critic of the Algerian government, was granted political asylum in France in 2023 and is facing multiple international arrest warrants from Algeria. The situation reflects the ongoing complexities in Franco-Algerian relations, which have been strained since last year.