The Algerian government has declared French Ambassador Stéphane Romatet “persona non grata”, following statements it described as “offensive and provocative.”
The announcement was made on a national television program hosted by Badis Khenissa, who said, “I say it loud and clear: the French ambassador is persona non grata in Algeria, as his conduct violates diplomatic norms observed worldwide.”
Romatet’s new status comes after his appearance via video conference in a documentary broadcast last Thursday by French public channel France 2. The film addressed relations between Algeria and France, and reportedly mentioned the alleged involvement of Algerian authorities in the attempted abduction of an Algerian blogger residing in France.
The ambassador had previously been recalled to Paris in April, after Algeria expelled 12 French consular agents in retaliation for the arrest of an Algerian diplomat linked to the case.
Following the documentary’s broadcast, Algeria summoned the chargé d’affaires of the French embassy, calling the film “a tissue of lies and allegations containing serious offenses and unjustified provocations.”
The Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs also issued a statement condemning Romatet’s actions as “contrary to the exercise of his functions, as defined by law and international custom.” If his persona non grata status is formally confirmed, Romatet will be barred from returning to Algeria, regardless of any future restoration of diplomatic relations.
This development marks the latest escalation in a series of diplomatic tensions between Algeria and France, which have reduced their representation to the level of chargé d’affaires.
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