France recalls ambassador from Algiers, expels 12 Algerian Diplomats

France has expelled 12 Algerian diplomatic and consular officials and recalled its ambassador from Algiers, the Élysée Palace said Tuesday, escalating a diplomatic dispute between the two countries. The move came in response to Algeria’s decision on Sunday to expel 12 French interior ministry officials within 48 hours, in what Algiers said was retaliation for the arrest of an Algerian consular official in France.

Paris accused Algeria of undermining recent efforts to improve relations, calling the expulsions a “sudden degradation” just weeks after Presidents Emmanuel Macron and Abdelmadjid Tebboune held a conciliatory phone call. The Élysée called on Algeria to resume dialogue.

Tensions have been mounting since France’s recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara in 2024—a move staunchly opposed by Algeria. Paris also criticised Algeria for failing to repatriate nationals ordered to leave France, including a man who killed a bystander in a February stabbing attack in Mulhouse.