France will respond to Algeria’s “unjustified” decision to expel 15 French officials, according to Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot. This move further strains the already complicated relationship between France and its former colony. Tensions escalated last year when President Emmanuel Macron backed Morocco’s position on the disputed Western Sahara region.
Algeria’s press agency reported that the French charge d’affaires was informed that 15 French diplomatic agents were in irregular positions and would be expelled. Barrot condemned the expulsions as unjustified and promised a swift, strong, and proportionate response.
This latest incident follows a brief thaw in relations last month after Barrot’s visit to Algiers. However, France recalled its ambassador to Algiers and expelled 12 Algerian agents in April after Algeria expelled 12 French diplomatic staff.
The deteriorating relationship has significant security, economic, and social repercussions, given the extensive trade between the two countries and the large number of French citizens with Algerian links. Barrot expressed regret over Algeria’s decision, stating it is not in the interests of either country.
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