The move comes in response to the arrest of an Algerian consular staff member by French authorities—an action Algeria condemned as a flagrant breach of diplomatic immunity.

France has acknowledged receiving the expulsion order, which includes staff from the French Interior Ministry.

In reaction, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot called on Algeria to reconsider the decision, warning that France was “prepared to respond immediately” should the expulsions proceed.

The diplomatic row intensified over the weekend when Algeria summoned French Ambassador Stéphane Romatet to protest the arrest. The detained official is reportedly suspected of connections to the 2024 disappearance of Amir Boukhras, a Paris-based Algerian activist known online as "AmirDZ."

Algeria rejected the allegations, stating that the only link cited by French authorities was the diplomat’s phone being near Boukhras’ home. It denounced the arrest as a “fabricated pretext” and demanded the official’s immediate release, arguing the incident jeopardizes recent efforts to mend ties.

Algeria further warned that any additional violations of its sovereignty would provoke a reciprocal and firm response.

This is the most serious diplomatic rift between the two nations in recent years, reviving historical tensions tied to colonial rule, while current disagreements over immigration policy and France’s support for Morocco in Western Sahara disputes continue to fuel friction.

Algeria has expelled 12 French diplomats amid deepening tensions with Paris