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Rabat — The Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reportedly summoned France’s ambassador to Algeria, Stéphane Romatet, in protest over what it described as repeated “hostile actions” by French intelligence targeting Algerian state institutions.
According to El Khabar newspaper, a source close to the Algerian presidency, the ministry expressed its “dissatisfaction and condemnation” of these practices, calling them “unacceptable and intolerable.”
During the meeting, Algerian officials reportedly presented alleged evidence of French intelligence involvement in “destabilizing activities,” including “attempts to smuggle weapons and ammunition into Algeria” and “efforts to recruit former extremists for operations targeting Algerian security.”
This latest accusation against France comes amid similar allegations Algeria made in response to the European country’s support for Morocco’s sovereignty over its southern provinces in Western Sahara.
France announced its recognition over Morocco’s sovereignty in July.
French President Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed his country’s position in a historic visit to the North African country in October, where he announced that the present and future of Western Sahara lies within Morocco’s sovereignty over its southern provinces.
The most recent news is indicative of the growing diplomatic rift between Algeria and France, fueled by allegations of subversive actions and a history of strained bilateral relations.
France’s move has further strained ties between Algiers and Paris; intensifying the already fragile diplomatic tensions and fueling accusations against the European country.
After France’s decision, Algeria’s regime recalled its ambassador to Paris and threatened to take further measures; including sanctions against France affecting trade between the two countries.
Algeria’s regime has a history of taking similar action against any country that publicly supports Morocco’s position on Western Sahara.
In 2022, the Algerian regime recalled its ambassador to Madrid and terminated a year-old friendship treaty with Spain in protest of the European country’s endorsement of Morocco’s Autonomy Plan.
Algeria has been supporting, financing, arming, and hosting the Polisario Front – a separatist group claiming independence in Western Sahara to undermine Morocco’s territorial integrity.
The regime has also disrupted the UN-led political process by rejecting to shoulder its responsibility in the dispute despite its direct involvement and backing of the separatist group.
