By Ebi Kesiena
The Algerian government has demanded the immediate expulsion of several French embassy staff, citing repeated breaches of diplomatic protocol and violations of international norms.
In a strong diplomatic protest, the Algerian government summoned the French chargé d’affaires and accused France of appointing diplomatic and consular personnel without proper notification or accreditation, as required under bilateral agreements.
Authorities revealed that at least 15 French employees were found working in Algeria without completing the required formalities. Some of these individuals were previously issued service passports but later received diplomatic passports to facilitate their entry. Among them were two officials from France’s Interior Ministry, allegedly sent to replace 12 French diplomats expelled by Algeria in April.
The incident is the latest in a series of tensions between the two countries. Algeria also criticised France for refusing entry to Algerian diplomatic passport holders and delaying the accreditation of consuls-general assigned to Paris and Marseille, along with seven other consular officials.
Algeria has now ordered that all French personnel appointed under what it described as “irregular” conditions be expelled and returned to France immediately.
This marks the second diplomatic fallout in less than a month. Recall that on 14 April, Algeria expelled 12 French embassy staff after the controversial detention of an Algerian consular officer in France, a move that led to reciprocal diplomatic action by Paris.
The latest escalation stresses the ongoing strain in Franco-Algerian relations, rooted in diplomatic disagreements and procedural disputes.
