Tue Apr 15 18:35:20 UTC 2025: ## France Expels Algerian Diplomats, Deepening Crisis with Algiers
**PARIS/ALGIERS** – France has expelled 12 Algerian diplomatic and consular staff members and recalled its ambassador from Algiers, escalating a diplomatic crisis with its former colony. This action follows Algeria’s expulsion of 12 French diplomats on Monday, in response to the arrest and indictment of three Algerian nationals in France, including a consular official.
The three Algerians face charges of kidnapping and alleged “terrorist” conspiracy related to the abduction of Amir Boukhors, a prominent Algerian activist and TikTok influencer who holds asylum in France. Boukhors was kidnapped in Paris last year and released the following day. Algeria has issued nine international arrest warrants for Boukhors on various charges.
The French Foreign Ministry described Algeria’s initial expulsion of its diplomats as unprecedented since Algeria’s independence in 1962. This latest escalation comes just a week after French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot met with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, declaring a return to normalcy in bilateral relations. However, recent tensions, including France’s support for Morocco’s Western Sahara autonomy plan and the imprisonment of French-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal, have significantly strained the relationship. Algeria is demanding Boukhors’ extradition. The current crisis casts doubt on the prospects for reconciliation between the two nations.
First Piper 