Relations between France and Algeria are going through a new zone of turbulence. In response to the expulsion of several French officials by Algiers, Paris summoned the Algerian project manager and announced reciprocity measures.
The French Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noël Barrot, described this Algerian decision “unjustified and unjustifiable”, denouncing a violation of bilateral agreements.
According to the Quai d’Orsay, Algeria has unilaterally decided to impose new conditions of access to its territory for French public officials holding diplomatic, official or service passports. These restrictions call into question the 2013 agreement governing diplomatic relations between the two countries.
In response, France plans to expel Algerian diplomats that do not have visa in good standing. Jean-Noël Barrot specifies that the French reaction is “immediate, firm and proportionate”, but does not exclude new measures if the situation requires it.
The current crisis is part of a climate of persistent tensions. In mid-April, Algiers had already expelled a dozen French officials. Paris then adopted a similar measure as a reprisals.
The Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not published any official press release, but according to the APS agency, the French agents concerned were assigned under “irregular conditions”.
Faced with this escalation, France calls for a return to “responsible and constructive” dialogue. The Quai d’Orsay insists on the need to preserve balanced cooperation, in the interest of the two peoples. For the time being, diplomatic channels remain frozen, despite the strategic importance of bilateral links.
