DR ‹ › The Algerian International Public Channel announced on Monday that the Algerian government has declared French Ambassador Stéphane Romatet persona non grata, following remarks deemed «offensive and provocative» to Algerian–French diplomatic relations. A journalist from the channel, quoted by Anadolu Agency, said that «French Ambassador Stéphane Romatet is no longer welcome in Algeria, as his conduct does not meet the diplomatic standards recognized worldwide». The move follows comments made by Romatet in a documentary aired last Thursday on the French public broadcaster France 2. The program alleged that Algerian authorities were involved in an «attempted kidnapping» of an Algerian blogger living in France, whom Algiers considers a «terrorist». Meanwhile, Echorouk, a newspaper close to Algerian decision-makers, reported that many observers had already been expecting Algeria to officially declare Romatet persona non grata. Last April, France recalled its ambassador from Algiers after Algerian authorities expelled 12 French consular staff, a decision linked to the arrest of a French diplomat accused of involvement in the alleged kidnapping case. Following the broadcast of the documentary, Algeria summoned the acting French ambassador on Saturday to protest what it described as «a web of lies and fabrications, marked by deep insults and unjustified provocations». In a statement, the Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its strong condemnation of «the French ambassador's actions, which are in clear contradiction with the duties of his office, as defined by law and international norms». Relations between Algeria and France have remained strained since July 30, 2024, when France recognized Western Sahara as part of Morocco, prompting Algeria to withdraw its ambassador from Paris.
