Algeria recalls ambassador to France following Macron’s shift in Sahara policy

Algiers announced on Tuesday the immediate withdrawal of its ambassador to France in response to French President Emmanuel Macron’s official support of Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara under the autonomy plan.

Algerian diplomatic representation in France is now the responsibility of a chargé d’affaires, said the Algerian government.

In a letter to King Mohammed VI on the occasion of Throne Day, Macron declared French support for Morocco’s autonomy plan as the sole solution to the Sahara dispute.

Last week, France privately conveyed to Algeria its intent to recognize Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara under the autonomy plan.

The Algerian Foreign Ministry  characterized France’s move as “unexpected” and expressed “great regret.”