France has expelled Algerian officials holding diplomatic passports without visas in response to Algeria’s decision to expel 15 French officials, escalating tensions between the two nations.
The French foreign ministry summoned Algeria’s charge d’affaires to inform them of the expulsion, stating that France reserves the right to take additional measures depending on how the situation evolves. However, the exact number of Algerian officials expelled was not disclosed.
The move marks a significant deterioration in relations between France and its former colony Algeria, which have been strained since President Emmanuel Macron backed Morocco’s position on the disputed Western Sahara region last year.
Despite a brief easing of tensions after French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot visited Algiers last month, diplomatic expulsions have once again strained ties, with Barrot declaring that relations are now “totally blocked”
