Algeria has ordered 12 French embassy officials to leave the country within 48 hours, in a sharp escalation of a growing diplomatic row with France.

The expulsion order, issued on Monday, follows the controversial arrest of three Algerian nationals in France — including a consular official — in connection with the brief abduction of an exiled Algerian influencer.

The detained individuals are suspected of involvement in the April 2024 kidnapping of Amir Boukhors, known online as Amir DZ, a vocal critic of the Algerian regime and social media figure with over a million TikTok followers. Boukhors, who was granted political asylum in France in 2023, was allegedly abducted in a suburb of Paris before being quickly released.

The Algerian Foreign Ministry condemned the arrest of its diplomatic official, arguing that it constitutes a violation of international norms and diplomatic immunity. Algerian authorities have labeled the incident "politically motivated", claiming it threatens recent steps toward improving ties between Algiers and Paris.

Algeria views the French action as an affront to bilateral diplomatic protocol, especially given ongoing dialogue between President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and French President Emmanuel Macron aimed at mending historically strained relations.

In response to the expulsions, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot called Algeria’s decision “unjustified” and warned of consequences if the diplomats are not reinstated.

“France will respond immediately if Algeria does not reverse this decision,” Barrot stated on Monday, adding that legal proceedings in France are being conducted independently and with respect to the rule of law.

The situation now risks spiraling into a full-fledged diplomatic standoff, with both countries exchanging sharp accusations amidst efforts in recent years to stabilize ties affected by colonial history, migration disputes, and political interference claims.

As of Monday evening, France had not officially announced retaliatory measures, but diplomatic observers expect a formal response if the Algerian expulsion order is not rescinded. (ILKHA)