الاثنين 12 ماي 2025
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When “Diplomacy” Becomes an Act of Espionage: Algeria Exposes Paris’s Irresponsibility in the Name of Sovereignty

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By: Dzair Tube
When “Diplomacy” Becomes an Act of Espionage: Algeria Exposes Paris’s Irresponsibility in the Name of Sovereignty

✍️ BY: Amina Smatti

Algiers, Algeria | May 11th, 2025 —  In a fleeting moment of history, one might assume that international relations are governed solely by protocol, orchestrated in corridors of smiles and formal banquets. Yet the bare truth, time and again, proves that sovereignty is not a decorative façade adorning the fronts of states—it is an invisible shield that protects the homeland from the stabs of “allies” before those of adversaries.

 

Algeria, with a silent yet firm tone, has recently unveiled what Paris had sought to conceal: an attempt to send individuals holding diplomatic passports for purposes unrelated to official representation—activities that appear to be linked to intelligence operations steeped in France’s colonial memory, raising old questions about covert infiltration under the guise of diplomacy.
Diplomats or Agents?
According to information leaked from decision-making circles, France attempted to insert two individuals into its diplomatic mission in Algeria without complying with the usual accreditation procedures and without observing the principle of reciprocity—especially as it continues to delay approval for several Algerian consuls on its territory.
What exacerbated suspicions was not merely the nature of the attempt, but the “functions” assigned to the individuals—functions that fall entirely outside the scope of the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. Algeria’s response was unequivocal: the French chargé d’affaires in Algiers was summoned, and the two suspicious individuals were expelled—with a strongly worded message implicitly stating that Algeria will not allow its sovereignty to be reduced to a pawn in an outdated intelligence game.
Vienna Speaks Arabic: Sovereignty Is Not Negotiable
The Vienna Convention, the foremost legal framework governing diplomatic relations, clearly outlines the requirements for accrediting missions and the rights of receiving states. Article 9 grants Algeria, as a host country, the absolute right to reject or expel any diplomat “without providing a reason,” a reflection of unqualified sovereign authority in such matters.
Furthermore, Article 41 obligates mission members to respect the laws of the host state and prohibits interference in its internal affairs—whether directly or indirectly.
However, according to well-informed sources, France sought to circumvent these principles by dispatching operatives whose true functions were concealed—an act reminiscent of Cold War-era tactics, when the “diplomatic spy” was a familiar feature of the geopolitical landscape.
A Historical Context That Cannot Be Ignored:
Colonialism Disguised as Equality
It would be mistaken to view this incident in isolation from the broader context of Algerian-French relations. Since independence, this relationship has endured recurring tensions—sometimes cultural, sometimes economic—but often tested at the level of intelligence operations.
In 1971, Algeria expelled several members of the French consulate in Oran after it was proven they were engaged in espionage under diplomatic cover.
Today, more than fifty years later, it appears that Paris remains trapped in an outdated mindset—confusing “diplomatic representation” with “active surveillance” of a country that no longer accepts the role of student in the school of European sovereignty.
France’s Double Standard:
Delays in Recognition, Speed in Infiltration
On the one hand, France continues to stall the accreditation of Algerian consuls, despite complete and ready dossiers pending approval for months. On the other, it attempts to stealthily insert its own personnel into Algeria in a manner inconsistent with international norms, as if seeking to impose a one-sided diplomatic reality.
This double standard is more than just an administrative flaw—it is a deep expression of a colonialist mindset that has not been fully buried, even more than six decades after Algeria’s independence.
The New Algeria: No Flattery When Sovereignty Is at Stake
Since 2019, Algeria’s discourse—both domestically and internationally—has changed. The country, once known for its strategic patience, is now more direct in addressing sensitive issues, particularly in its dealings with Paris.
Algeria’s recent decision was not a momentary reaction, but rather an extension of a new diplomatic doctrine: relations must be based on parity, not colonial memories or cultural blackmail. Algeria does not ask for respect—it commands it.
A Tense Regional Context: Why Now? Why So Sharply?
This development cannot be separated from the region’s tense geopolitical context. France, having lost its influence in Mali and facing declining presence across Africa, appears to be repositioning itself by any means—including intelligence ventures in the Maghreb region.
Algeria, meanwhile, is experiencing a notable rise in its diplomatic presence—playing key roles in the Sahel, the Palestinian cause, and mediation initiatives in Libya and Niger. As such, it has become a target for subtle acts of disruption.
But what Paris seems to have overlooked is that Algeria is no longer an open field for political experimentation—it is now a regional player with its own strategic agenda.
From Paris to the World: Diplomacy Is Not a Mask for Mischief
Through this incident, Algeria sent a dual message: to Paris, that the era of diplomatic overreach is over; and to the international community, that sovereignty is not a matter for negotiation, but a sacred principle that must never be breached.
When the question arises—will such incidents recur?—Algeria’s answer is now clear: some states may try, but the response will always match the action—and may even precede it.
Algeria Redraws the Boundaries of International Play
The era of “tepid responses” and “diplomatic silence” that could be misinterpreted as weakness is over. Algeria now conducts its battles within the framework of international law—but in its own manner: not seeking confrontation, but never avoiding it when its sovereignty is on the line.
In doing so, Algeria is redefining the concept of “diplomatic relations” in Africa and the Mediterranean: a partnership, not subservience; respect, not disguised colonialism; and law, not manipulation.
In this new diplomatic landscape, Algeria teaches the world that sovereignty is neither granted nor borrowed—it is defended by every means necessary, upheld by the diplomat’s pen when possible, and enforced by the state’s resolve when required.

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