The expulsion of 12 French agents from Algeria has rekindled diplomatic tensions between France and its former colony.
Marked by emotion and reciprocity, this diplomatic crisis highlights the fragility of bilateral ties and the often-ignored human cost of state relations.
The 12 French agents expelled by Algiers on April 13 were described as “very shocked” according to Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, who spoke on BFMTV-RMC on April 23.
This footage reveals the often-overlooked human dimension of diplomatic tensions.
Received the previous day in Paris in the presence of Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, these agents were seconded to the French Embassy in Algeria.
“Some left their families, their school-age children, others have Algerian wives or partners,” Retailleau said, emphasising the personal and human impact of this diplomatic decision, deemed unprecedented since 1962.
In 1962, Algeria gained independence from France after more than seven years of war, concluded by the Evian Accords signed on March 18.
Following this historic break, the majority of French diplomatic agents left Algerian territory.
France then closed several of its offices in the country, marking the end of a continuous diplomatic presence since colonisation.
This was the last time a mass withdrawal took place.
The expulsions took place in the presence of the French ambassador to Algiers, reinforcing the symbolic significance of the measure, described as “unjustified” by Jean-Noël Barrot.
In response, France expelled twelve Algerian officials, citing a gesture of “strict reciprocity” and a “protest measure.”
This diplomatic tension comes as the case of Franco-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal also remains unresolved.
Sentenced to five years in prison at the end of March, the author remains in detention.
“He is still as ill, as old, and still in Algerian jails,” Retailleau lamented, pointing to the lack of progress in the case.
SL/ac/Sf/fss/as/APA