Algiers and Paris are locked in their most bitter diplomatic dispute in decades, raising fresh questions about whether Algeria is finally cutting the cord with its former colonial ruler. The row—now boiling over into tit-for-tat expulsions of diplomats—has revived raw tensions that trace back to France’s brutal colonization and Algeria’s hard-won independence in 1962.
This week, France ordered 12 Algerian diplomats to leave Paris and recalled its ambassador, Stéphane Romatet, for consultations. The move came in direct retaliation after Algeria expelled 12 French officials, furious over the arrest of one of its consular staff by French authorities. That official, along with two others, was detained in connection with the kidnapping of popular government critic and social media figure Amir DZ—an incident that has only deepened mistrust.
Paris has described Algeria’s response as “unjustified and incomprehensible,” but Algiers isn’t buying the outrage. Algerian officials say this is just the latest example of France’s refusal to treat Algeria as a sovereign equal—and they’re no longer willing to play along.
Sofiane Chaib, Algeria’s secretary of state, didn’t mince words in a televised address, squarely blaming French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau for inflaming the situation. “This is not about law enforcement. This is about humiliation,” Chaib said. “We are not a colony anymore.”
For many in Algeria, that sentiment resonates deeply. What started as a consular incident has rapidly spiraled into a broader reckoning of post-colonial power dynamics, with Algeria signaling it may be ready to abandon the familiar, if uncomfortable, diplomatic dance with France.
Though French President Emmanuel Macron has attempted to smooth things over—holding what he called a “frank and friendly” phone call with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune—those efforts have failed to halt the slide. Even a follow-up visit by French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, who said France wanted to “turn the page,” ended with the door seemingly slammed shut.
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At the heart of the tensions is not just the consular arrest, but broader disagreements over regional geopolitics. Algeria remains a staunch supporter of the Polisario Front’s fight for independence in Western Sahara—putting it at odds with Macron’s endorsement of Moroccan sovereignty over the disputed region. That shift, seen by Algiers as a betrayal, was a breaking point in what had already been a tense relationship.
Even cultural and intellectual ties are fraying. The jailing of renowned French-Algerian author Boualem Sansal last month on charges of “undermining national security” further illustrates the depth of the rupture. And France’s growing frustration with Algeria’s refusal to accept the return of 60 Algerian nationals it classifies as “dangerous” has only widened the gulf.
Retailleau’s suggestion that a deadly knife attack in Mulhouse could have been avoided if Algeria had cooperated on repatriation has infuriated Algerian officials. The claim was seen as scapegoating and a deflection from deeper issues plaguing bilateral relations.
Behind the diplomatic exchanges and press statements, many Algerians are now asking a bigger question: is this the moment Algeria finally asserts full independence—not just in name, but in diplomatic posture?
As both countries brace for the next move, one thing is clear: the old ways of managing French-Algerian relations may no longer hold. And for a generation of Algerians eager to shed the shadow of colonialism, that may be just fine.
