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France, Algeria Expel Diplomats in Escalating Diplomatic Dispute
Tensions between France and Algeria have escalated further this week, as both nations continue a tit-for-tat expulsion of diplomats in a worsening diplomatic standoff.
France announced on Wednesday that it will expel an unspecified number of Algerian diplomats in direct response to Algeria’s decision to remove 15 French officials from the country over the weekend. This follows an earlier episode in mid-April, when Algeria expelled 12 French diplomatic personnel, prompting France to retaliate by expelling an equal number of Algerian officials and recalling its ambassador from Algiers.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot confirmed the latest move during an interview with BFM TV, stating that Algerian officials holding diplomatic passports but lacking valid visas to operate in France would be required to leave. He declined to specify the exact number of expulsions, saying, “It’s not so much a question of numbers, it’s a question of quality. Algeria wanted to send back our agents — we’re sending back theirs.”
On Tuesday, the French Foreign Ministry summoned Algeria’s chargé d’affaires to formally notify him of the decision. The diplomatic escalation came just two days after Algeria had informed France’s chargé d’affaires in Algiers that 15 French civil servants on temporary assignments would be expelled.
While Algeria’s Foreign Ministry has yet to release an official statement, the state-run Algerian Press Agency (APS) reported that the expelled French personnel were appointed under what it described as “irregular conditions.”
France responded with a sharply worded statement accusing Algeria of breaching a 2013 bilateral agreement, which governs the movement and duties of officials holding diplomatic, official, or service passports. The statement condemned Algeria’s “new conditions of access” for French officials and described the expulsion as unjustified.
Barrot characterized Algeria’s action as “incomprehensible and brutal,” and insisted that France’s response was “immediate, firm, and proportionate.” He added that further measures could be taken depending on the evolution of the situation.
The dispute adds to a growing list of irritants in Franco-Algerian relations. Key points of contention include Algeria’s refusal to repatriate nationals facing deportation from France and the continued detention of dissident Franco-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal.
Relations took a significant downturn in July 2024, when France expressed support for Morocco’s claim to Western Sahara — a move that angered Algiers, a staunch supporter of Sahrawi self-determination.
Although French President Emmanuel Macron and Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune shared a reportedly positive phone conversation in early April, hopes of a diplomatic thaw appear to have been short-lived.
News
Investigation Underway After Goa Nightclub Fire Kills at Least 25
Authorities in the Indian state of Goa have opened an investigation into a nightclub fire that killed at least 25 people, including several tourists, in one of the region’s most popular party districts. Six others were injured in the blaze, which broke out shortly after midnight in Arpora, a nightlife hub about 25 kilometres from the state capital, Panaji.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant confirmed the death toll in a statement posted on X, saying the victims included many of the club’s kitchen staff and a small number of visiting tourists. He added that all the injured were in stable condition and receiving medical treatment. Rescue teams recovered all bodies from the site.
Early reports from local police, cited by the Press Trust of India, indicated that a gas cylinder explosion triggered the fire. Witnesses, however, told the agency that the blaze appeared to start on the club’s first floor, where nearly 100 tourists were dancing at the time. As smoke and flames swept through the building, many people ran toward the lower floor, where they became trapped along with staff members.
Sawant said a formal inquiry would determine the exact cause and whether the club complied with fire safety regulations. He pledged strict action against anyone found responsible, writing on X that any negligence uncovered by investigators would be “dealt with firmly”.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as patrons attempted to flee the burning building. “We rushed out of the club only to see that the entire structure was up in flames,” said Fatima Shaikh, who was inside when the fire began.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered condolences in a message on X, calling the incident “deeply saddening” and wishing the injured a swift recovery.
Local media reported that the club’s location along the Arpora River backwaters posed challenges for emergency crews. A narrow approach road forced fire engines to park about 400 metres from the entrance, slowing their response. Reports also revealed that the building had previously received a demolition notice after officials found it lacked a construction permit. That order was later withdrawn by senior state authorities, according to Arpora councillor Roshan Redkar.
Incidents involving gas cylinders and electrical faults are not unusual in India and often lead to heavy casualties, prompting renewed calls for stronger enforcement of safety standards. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi criticised the tragedy as a “criminal failure of safety and governance” and urged a transparent investigation to establish accountability and prevent future disasters.
The probe into the fire is expected to assess structural safety, emergency exits and compliance with existing regulations as authorities work to piece together how the late-night gathering turned into one of the deadliest incidents in the state in recent years.
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