Algeria Summons French Diplomatic Envoy Over Diplomatic Bag Dispute

Algeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Friday that it has summoned the French Embassy’s chargé d'affaires for the second time, in protest over continued restrictions hampering the Algerian diplomatic mission in Paris. The tensions center around alleged obstacles to the transfer and receipt of Algerian diplomatic pouches in France.

In an official statement, the Algerian government denounced what it called a “clear violation of international obligations” by the French authorities. The Ministry emphasized that the obstructions, which initially affected the Algerian Embassy in Paris, have since extended to the country’s consulates across France—despite prior assurances from the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs that the matter would be resolved.

In response, Algeria has implemented reciprocal measures by revoking the special access privileges previously granted to members of the French diplomatic mission in Algeria. These privileges had allowed French diplomats streamlined access to Algerian ports and airports.

Algeria had earlier voiced surprise and concern over the French measures, which reportedly prevented embassy personnel from entering restricted zones in French airports—areas they require access to for handling diplomatic mail and secure consignments.

The move adds to simmering tensions between the two countries, already strained by historical sensitivities and occasional diplomatic flare-ups. Algeria’s decision to escalate the matter through reciprocal action signals growing frustration and a call for adherence to diplomatic norms.