The diplomatic relationship between France and Algeria is strained as French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot announces potential reprisals against Algeria's demand to expel 12 French officials. This comes after Algeria protested the detention of a consular agent linked to a high-profile case involving an Algerian influencer granted asylum in France. Barrot urged Algeria to reconsider the expulsion, warning of immediate response if actions are taken. The tensions are particularly notable as they arrive shortly after recent reconciliations in diplomatic relations, throwing these fragile ties into further uncertainty.
"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," Barrot said.
The latest flare-up comes just a week after Barrot had said ties between France and its former colony were returning to normal after a major upset last year.
Algiers protested over the weekend against France's detention of an Algerian consular agent suspected of involvement in the kidnapping of an Algerian influencer in April last year.
Algiers has claimed that the arrest of the consular official was aimed at undermining recent attempts at fence-mending between the two countries.
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