France Expels Algerian Officials Amid Diplomatic Crisis Over Western Sahara

Diplomatic Dispute Over Western Sahara

• 🇪🇺 The recent diplomatic crisis between France and Algeria was triggered by France's stance on the Western Sahara conflict.
• 🇫🇷 In July 2024, French President Macron supported a plan for autonomy of the Western Sahara under Moroccan sovereignty.
• 🇩🇿 Algeria, which supports the Polisario Front's self-determination for the region, reacted by freezing ties with the French Senate.

Arrest of French-Algerian Writer

• ✍️ Tensions escalated further with the arrest of French-Algerian writer Balem Sanal at an Algerian airport.
• ⚖️ Sanal was imprisoned for five years for allegedly undermining Algeria's territorial integrity after stating France had ceded Moroccan territory to Algeria during the colonial era.
• 🗣️ France demanded his immediate release, leading to further diplomatic friction.

Kidnapping Allegations and Expulsions

• 🚨 The situation worsened due to France's arrest of an Algerian official accused in the kidnapping of Algerian influencer Amir Dzed.
• 🎤 Amir Dzed, a government critic, was abducted and released shortly after, sparking a fresh diplomatic standoff.
• 🤝 In response, Algeria expelled 12 French embassy staff, and France retaliated by expelling 12 Algerian consular and diplomatic officials.