France Expels 12 Algerian Diplomats, Recalls Ambassador Amid Escalating Tensions

In a significant escalation of diplomatic tensions, France has expelled 12 Algerian consular and diplomatic officials and recalled its ambassador to Algeria, following Algeria's expulsion of 12 French diplomats. This diplomatic spat is rooted in the arrest of an Algerian consulate employee in France, suspected of involvement in the kidnapping of an Algerian opposition activist, Amir Boukhors. The French presidency condemned Algeria's actions as unjustified and a disregard for judicial procedures, asserting that Algeria is responsible for the deterioration of relations. This crisis follows a brief period of attempted reconciliation, highlighted by a recent phone call between French President Emmanuel Macron and Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. The situation underscores the long-standing complexities in Franco-Algerian relations, which have been particularly strained since Macron's comments supporting Morocco over Algeria in the Western Sahara dispute. Despite earlier indications of improving relations, this incident marks a notable setback in bilateral dialogue.