France summons Algeria’s charge d’affaires amid rising diplomatic tensions

In a significant escalation of diplomatic hostilities, France has summoned Algeria’s charge d’affaires in Paris to express its strong disapproval of Algeria’s recent decision to expel French officials. The announcement came from Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, who characterized Algeria’s actions as “unjustified.”

The French government has indicated that it will respond to these provocations by expelling Algerian diplomats in a retaliatory measure. Speaking to BFMTV, Barrot emphasized that France's response would be “immediate, firm, and strictly proportionate,” calling for the return of all Algerian agents holding diplomatic passports who currently lack the necessary visas to remain in France.

This diplomatic confrontation intensified on Tuesday when France formally conveyed its position to the Algerian diplomat. Barrot reiterated that France reserves the right to implement further actions as the situation unfolds, framing the response as a direct consequence of Algeria's unilateral decisions.

The recent tensions can be traced back to Algeria’s ongoing efforts to expel French officials, a move that France has labeled as an infringement of the 2013 bilateral agreement governing their diplomatic relations. The French foreign ministry has described these expulsions as a unilateral decision by Algeria to impose new entry conditions on French public agents, which it views as a blatant violation of established protocols.

The backdrop to this diplomatic friction includes Algeria's recent summoning of the French charge d’affaires in Algiers, during which it communicated its intentions regarding the expulsions of French officials engaged in temporary missions. This series of events marks a troubling chapter in the relationship between the two nations, which has been strained by a variety of historical and political factors.

Central to the discord is France’s recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over its southern provinces in Sahara, a stance that has drawn ire from Algeria. Following France's declaration of support for Morocco’s territorial integrity last July, Algeria reacted by recalling its ambassador, a clear signal of displeasure over France’s foreign policy direction.

In February, the situation further deteriorated when Algeria severed ties with the French Senate, a move coinciding with a visit by Senate President Gerard Larcher to Morocco’s southern provinces. During this visit, Larcher highlighted President Emmanuel Macron’s commitment to supporting Morocco, further aggravating Algerian sensitivities.

As both nations navigate this complex diplomatic landscape, the future of their relations remains uncertain. The unfolding events underscore the delicate balance of power and influence in North Africa, with broader implications for regional stability.