Algeria refuses to accept deportations from France
Algeria has refused to accept several dozen deportations from France, further straining relations between the two nations.
As reported by The New Arab on March 18th, the Algerian foreign ministry stated that it would not be forced to act by “threats” and “ultimatums” handed out by France.
France had planned the deportations of around 60 citizens from Algeria. However, the list was rejected on the grounds that the Algerian foreign ministry “categorically rejects threats and intimidation, as well as…ultimatums.”
France’s foreign ministry has claimed that Algeria is “solely motivated by the wish to fulfil its duty of consular protection for its citizens” with Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau stating that those selected for deportation were selected for being “dangerous” or former convicts.
The atmosphere between France and Algeria has soured since France recognised Morocco’s plans for autonomy over the Western Saharan region, with Maghrebi reporting on February 5th of Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune denouncing relations as “toxic”.
However, a series of failed deportation plans and a knife attack from an Algerian immigrant on French soil earlier this year have exacerbated tensions, culminating in the unprecedented situation the two nations now find themselves in.
French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou warned that France would look to revoke the special status given to Algerians in France as a former colony.
Until 1962, Algeria was a French colony and considered to be a part of the French state.
However, France has sought to deepen the split between the two nations and Macron has backed up his Prime Minister, saying that he would look to amend the agreement that has maintained special relations since 1968.
France has warned that, as well as deporting undocumented and convicted Algerians, they could also look to restrict visa admissions and limit development aid.
Thus far, Algeria has returned deported citizens back to France on arrival to the country.
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