Accra: France has ordered the expulsion of 12 Algerian diplomats and consular officials and recalled its ambassador in the latest escalation between the two countries.
According to Ghana News Agency, the measure was announced by President Emmanuel Macron's office after Algeria ordered 12 French officials to leave within 48 hours. This move was in response to the arrest of an Algerian official in France. The Algerian officials in France have also been given 48 hours to leave the country.
Macron's office described Algeria's actions as 'incomprehensible and unjustified' and urged Algiers to 'resume dialogue' and 'take responsibility for the degradation in bilateral relations'. Algeria's foreign ministry declared the 12 French officials persona non grata following the arrest of an Algerian consular official in France, which it labeled a 'vile act'.
The diplomatic crisis has been further aggravated by accusations from Algeria, which blames France's hardline Interior Minister, Bruno Retailleau, for undermining efforts to repair ties. Retailleau commented on the situation, stating on Cnews that it was 'unacceptable, truly unacceptable that France should be a playground for Algerian services'.
The minister also supported the Elysee's response to Algeria's dismissal of 12 French civil servants from the Ministry of the Interior, describing it as 'totally appropriate'.
