BY: Dr. Hana Saada
Algiers, Algeria | April 16th, 2025 — Algeria has acknowledged France’s decision to recall its ambassador from Algiers and to expel 12 Algerian consular and diplomatic staff from French territory.
Sofiane Chaïb, Secretary of State to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, responsible for the National Community Abroad, stated that Algeria has taken note of France’s actions. He emphasized that Algeria had previously indicated its capacity to take reciprocal measures in response to actions it deems unjustified.
The initial tension arose from the arrest of an Algerian consular official in France, linked to an investigation concerning an alleged kidnapping. Algeria viewed this arrest as a violation of diplomatic norms and responded by expelling French consular staff associated with the French Ministry of the Interior.
Chaïb highlighted that the current diplomatic strain is a result of actions taken by certain French officials, which Algeria perceives as undermining bilateral relations. He reiterated Algeria’s stance on adhering to diplomatic conventions and its readiness to respond to any measures affecting its interests.
