Diplomatic Fiasco Over the Expulsion of an Algerian Influencer: Bruno Retailleau Condemns Algeria’s Actions

A Forced Return That Sparks Outrage

The expulsion of Algerian influencer Doualemn has turned into a fiasco, further straining relations between Paris and Algiers. Arrested on January 4 in Montpellier after calling for violent acts on TikTok, this influencer, who was legally residing in France, was expelled the following Wednesday under an administrative deportation order. However, his home country refused to accept him, citing unjustified reasons according to French authorities, and sent him back to France.

In response, Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau expressed his anger on January 10 during a visit to Nantes. “Algeria is trying to humiliate France,” he declared, denouncing behavior that contravenes international agreements. He emphasized that rules, including the Chicago Convention, require states to accept their own citizens.

Now placed in the administrative detention center of Mesnil-Amelot, Doualemn remains subject to a deportation order. His actions had sparked outrage after he posted a video calling for the murder and suffering of an anti-regime Algerian protester.

A Crisis Amid Strained Bilateral Relations

This incident comes at a time of heightened tensions between France and Algeria, marked by the controversial detention of writer Boualem Sansal and geopolitical disputes, particularly regarding Western Sahara. “We’ve reached an extremely worrying threshold with Algeria,” the minister added.

Bruno Retailleau has called for a reassessment of bilateral relations and is considering measures to address the crisis. Among the options discussed are reducing the number of visas granted to Algerian nationals and cutting development aid to Algeria. These measures had already been debated in October without significant progress, but the Doualemn case could accelerate their implementation.

The minister concluded by urging decisions to be made at the highest levels of government: “There is a range of possibilities that must be studied by the government and the president of the Republic.” This stance underscores a firm approach to an increasingly contentious bilateral relationship.