Relations between Algeria and France have been complicated, recently exacerbated by the arrest of an Algerian consular official in France linked to the alleged kidnapping of critic Amir Boukhors. Boukhors, a well-known online influencer critical of Algeria’s President, has been sought for extradition by Algeria, which labels him a “terrorist.” Following the arrest, Algeria expelled 12 French consular officials, prompting France to retaliate with similar expulsions, highlighting the historical tensions rooted in Algeria’s colonial past and ongoing disputes over Western Sahara.