Diplomatic Crisis Between Paris and Algiers: From Fragile Thaw to Sudden Escalation

Just two weeks after a tentative rapprochement, the diplomatic relationship between France and Algeria has taken a dramatic downturn. At the heart of this renewed tension lies the arrest of an Algerian consular employee in France, which triggered a chain of retaliatory diplomatic measures between the two nations.

A Fragile Dialogue, Quickly Broken

It all began with a hopeful sign. On March 31, Emmanuel Macron and Abdelmadjid Tebboune spoke on the phone, expressing a shared desire to move beyond past disputes. The French president reaffirmed his trust in his counterpart and called for an “act of humanity” toward the imprisoned Franco-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal. A visit by Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin to Algiers was even planned, marking a new phase of security and judicial cooperation.

A few days later, on April 6, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot traveled to Algeria. Following talks with President Tebboune, he welcomed the “shared willingness to rebuild a calm and balanced partnership.”

The Amir DZ Case: A Spark That Reignited the Fire

But this delicate balance was shattered on April 11. Three men, including an employee of the Algerian consulate in Créteil, were indicted in Paris over the alleged abduction of Amir Boukhors, also known as Amir DZ, an influencer critical of the Algerian regime. Algeria denounced the move as a “judicial witch hunt,” accusing France of politically exploiting the case. The Algerian foreign ministry condemned what it called an “unprecedented judicial turning point,” aimed at sabotaging efforts to renew bilateral ties.

Tit-for-Tat Expulsions and Rising Tensions

In response, on April 14, Algeria expelled twelve French diplomats, giving them 48 hours to leave the country. The Élysée Palace called the decision “unjustified and incomprehensible,” claiming it disregarded the fundamentals of France’s judicial procedures.

On April 15, Paris responded by recalling its ambassador in Algiers, Stéphane Romatet, and expelling twelve Algerian diplomatic and consular staff. Emmanuel Macron made the decision personally, underscoring the gravity of the situation.

Bilateral Ties in Free Fall

These reciprocal actions rekindled tensions that had been simmering since the previous summer, when Macron publicly supported Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara—an affront to Algiers, which backs the Polisario independence movement. Since then, disputes have mounted, particularly on immigration and judicial matters.

Despite the sharp escalation, France is attempting to maintain a firm stance while leaving the door open to renewed dialogue. “We’re showing our ability to respond, but the interests of both countries still lie in resuming an honest and clear-eyed dialogue,” Jean-Noël Barrot emphasized.

An Uncertain Diplomatic Future

Algeria defended its expulsion of French diplomats as a “sovereign decision” and denied any responsibility for the deterioration in relations. It pointed to what it perceives as French judicial interference and political manipulation surrounding the Amir DZ affair.

Still, some voices are calling for de-escalation. In both capitals, officials urge a return to dialogue—essential in the context of a deeply intertwined history and significant security and migration concerns.

For now, both sides remain entrenched. Writer Boualem Sansal, whose case has become symbolic of the broader diplomatic crisis, remains behind bars, while his daughters have published a heartfelt appeal asking President Macron to intervene and secure his release—describing it as their “last glimmer of hope.”