French diplomats given 48-hour notice to leave Algeria

In a dramatic escalation of already strained relations, Algeria has ordered twelve French diplomats to leave its territory within 48 hours. The sudden expulsion, announced by French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot on Monday, has further deepened a rift that has long simmered beneath the surface of Franco-Algerian relations.

According to a diplomatic source, the expelled officials include members of the French interior ministry—a sign of the severity with which Algiers views the situation.

The Catalyst: A High-Profile Arrest
At the heart of the diplomatic fallout is the recent indictment of three Algerian nationals in France. Among them is a consular official, now suspected of involvement in the abduction of controversial Algerian influencer Amir Boukhors, better known as “Amir DZ.”

Boukhors, who boasts over a million TikTok followers, is a vocal critic of the Algerian regime and has lived in France under political asylum since 2023. His alleged abduction in a Paris suburb in April 2024 triggered immediate condemnation and led to swift legal action by French prosecutors.

The Man Behind the Headlines: Amir DZ
Amir Boukhors is no ordinary online personality. Known for his sharp criticism of Algerian authorities and anti-corruption activism, he’s become a thorn in the side of Algiers. The Algerian government has accused him of fraud and terrorism, issuing nine international arrest warrants in an attempt to secure his extradition.

For many supporters, however, Boukhors is seen as a symbol of resistance—someone who has dared to speak out against a powerful regime and paid the price.

France’s plea—and its warning
As news of the expulsions broke, French Foreign Minister Barrot publicly urged Algiers to reconsider. “I am asking Algerian authorities to abandon these expulsion measures… if the decision to send back our officials is maintained, we will have no other choice but to respond immediately,” he warned.

This statement underscores France’s view of the expulsions not just as a retaliatory act, but as a serious diplomatic affront that could prompt countermeasures.

A long and complicated history
This incident adds yet another chapter to the fraught relationship between France and Algeria—a relationship defined by colonial history, migration, and repeated political friction. Despite attempts at reconciliation and cooperation, moments like these reveal how quickly tensions can reignite.

From disagreements over immigration policy to clashes over memory and history, Paris and Algiers have struggled to build a lasting diplomatic rapport. The expulsion of diplomats and the sensitive nature of the charges against Boukhors could now undo years of cautious diplomacy.

What comes next?
As the 48-hour deadline ticks down, all eyes are on both capitals. Will Algeria stick to its decision? And if so, how will France respond?

The situation remains fluid, but one thing is clear: the rift between these two nations is once again in full view—and may widen further unless cooler heads prevail.