Algeria

Algiers, May 1, 2025 (The World Standard) — Diplomatic relations between Algeria and France have hit a new low following Algiers’ decision to expel 12 French consular officials, deepening a growing rift fueled by recent political and legal clashes between the two countries.

The expulsions came after weeks of mounting tension over what Algeria describes as a pattern of disrespect and provocation by the French government. In a statement, the Algerian foreign ministry accused France of seeking to “humiliate Algeria and undermine its sovereignty,” referencing a series of incidents that have damaged already fragile ties.

The immediate catalyst was the arrest of a consular employee from Algeria’s diplomatic mission in France, allegedly for transporting large sums of undeclared money. Algerian authorities denounced the move as a violation of diplomatic protocols and claimed the incident was deliberately politicized by French authorities and media to paint Algeria in a negative light.

But beyond the recent arrest, tensions have been building for months. One key flashpoint is France’s increasingly overt support for Morocco’s sovereignty claim over Western Sahara — a territory long disputed between Morocco and the Algeria-backed Polisario Front. France’s stance has drawn fierce criticism from Algerian officials, who view it as a betrayal of regional neutrality and an affront to Algeria’s geopolitical interests.

“The French government has crossed several red lines,” said an unnamed senior Algerian diplomat quoted in state media. “By siding with Morocco on Western Sahara, and treating Algerian institutions with contempt, Paris is actively undermining trust and cooperation.”

Further inflaming tensions is the ongoing imprisonment of Boualem Sansal, a French-Algerian author detained in Algeria on charges of “undermining national unity” and “spreading false information.” The French government has called for his immediate release, framing the case as a freedom of expression issue. However, Algerian authorities have rejected the demands as foreign interference in domestic judicial affairs.

Analysts say the deterioration in relations is the result of years of unresolved post-colonial grievances, mutual suspicion, and diverging foreign policy goals.

“Algeria has long sought to assert itself as a sovereign and independent regional power, while France continues to behave as though it has influence over North Africa,” said political analyst Nourredine Djebar, based in Algiers. “This latest episode reflects the collapse of diplomatic trust on both sides.”

France and Algeria share a deep and often painful historical connection. Algeria was a French colony from 1830 until its independence in 1962 after a brutal eight-year war. While both countries have tried to normalize relations over the years, issues related to colonial memory, immigration, and security have remained persistent sources of tension.

Efforts by French President Emmanuel Macron to address colonial-era abuses have made some progress, but have also drawn criticism for being too symbolic and insufficient. In 2021, Algeria recalled its ambassador after Macron reportedly questioned whether Algeria existed as a nation before French colonization — a comment that caused outrage in Algerian political circles.

While France remains one of Algeria’s key trade partners, particularly in the energy sector, political and diplomatic relations have been repeatedly strained by disputes over visas, migration policy, and counterterrorism cooperation.

The latest diplomatic fallout has led to speculation about potential long-term consequences, including reduced cooperation on economic and security fronts. For now, Algeria has said it will continue reviewing its diplomatic engagement with France, signaling that further retaliatory steps may be on the horizon.

As one Algerian official bluntly put it: “France must learn that the era of colonial condescension is over. We are equals — and we expect to be treated that way.”
Source; Al Jazeera