On Wednesday, France’s foreign ministry summoned Algeria’s chargé d’affaires to notify him that passport holding Algerian diplomats without visas would be removed from French soil.
The French foreign ministry hailed the measure as a forceful response to Algeria’s “unjustified” decision. According to an official statement, “France reserves the right to take additional measures depending on how the situation evolves. ”
The deterioration in diplomatic ties follows a recent attempt at reconciliation. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot visited Algiers last month to ease tensions.
While the visit appeared to temporarily soothe ties, a new round of diplomatic expulsions rekindled tensions shortly after.
Algeria dismissed a dozen French spies in April. France retaliated in kind by expelling an equal number of Algerian envoys.
The relationship suffered another setback when French authorities detained an Algerian consulate official, triggering significant protests from Algiers.
Algerian officials described the detention as a severe violation of diplomatic procedure and requested an official explanation from Paris.
As seen on Reuters, Jean-Noel Barrot, French foreign minister, on Wednesday, told BFM television that relations were “totally blocked.”
Algeria and France
France’s retaliatory attitude is viewed as part of a larger move to reestablish its diplomatic status amid fragile relations with its former colony.
Algeria’s expulsions seem to have been motivated by rising frustration with French activities in North Africa and perceived intervention in internal matters.
Last year, France’s President Emmanuel Macron infuriated Algiers by expressing support for Morocco’s position in the disputed Western Sahara territory.
Algeria reacted negatively to France’s decision to support Morocco’s autonomy over Western Sahara, and withdrew its ambassador in August of the same year.
Since then, a series of arrests, expulsions, and public statements have increasingly dampened the relationship between the two countries.
The most recent developments represent a significant deterioration in what has always been a complicated and delicate relationship characterized by colonial history, immigration, and common economic interests.
