France recalls its ambassador after escalating tensions and plans to expel 12 Algerian diplomats

France has recalled its ambassador to Algiers for discussions and will expel 12 Algerian diplomats, the presidency said Tuesday.

France has summoned its ambassador to Algiers for talks and stated that it will deport 12 members of Algeria’s diplomatic and consular network, further deteriorating the already shaky relationship between the two countries.

Tuesday’s confirmation of the judgment came after Algeria protested the imprisonment of one of its consular representatives in France. There is suspicion that the spy was involved in the abduction of an opposition activist from Algeria. Twelve French diplomats were expelled by Algeria in retaliation.

The lengthy and frequently turbulent history of France and Algeria is rooted in colonialism and is characterized by recurrent diplomatic rifts. Last year, tensions were rekindled when French President Emmanuel Macron openly backed Morocco’s claim to the disputed Western Sahara region, which infuriated Algiers and strained ties.

There had been indications of rapprochement lately despite the diplomatic tensions. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot was upbeat about Franco-Algerian relations just last week, stating that they were “returning to normal.”

This most recent tit-for-tat expulsion highlights the relationship’s vulnerability and presents new issues for North African regional diplomacy.