Franco-Algerian tensions escalate amid Morocco rapprochement

In a jaw-dropping turn of events that’s left Whitehall watchers gobsmacked, Algerian President Tebboune has given his old mate, mosque chief Chems-Eddine Hafiz, the old heave-ho! The spectacular bust-up comes as French investigators are poised to poke their noses into the Paris Grand Mosque’s dodgy dealings.

Posh French rag Le Point let the cat out of the bag, revealing the historic mosque has been doubling as Algeria’s “second embassy” in the French capital. Word has it Hafiz has been desperately trying to get his old chum on the blower – but Tebboune’s having none of it!

A well-placed source whispered that Hafiz is in a proper flap, frantically trying to reach Tebboune to have a word with Macron, but the president’s giving him the silent treatment! Rather puts the kibosh on holy diplomacy, doesn’t it?

The plot’s got thicker than Christmas pudding with writer Boualem Sansal still banged up after spilling the beans about disputed territories on the telly. Meanwhile, French plod have collared three Algerian social media stars over inflammatory posts about the #Manish_Radi protests. Word is, Algeria’s top brass are having kittens about another uprising like the one that saw former president Bouteflika get the push!

To put the tin lid on it, French President Macron’s been making eyes at rival Morocco, leaving Algeria in a right old tizzy. During a swanky do in Rabat, Macron promised to back Morocco to the hilt – bit of a diplomatic menage à trois, if you ask me!

With tensions reaching fever pitch and old pals at loggerheads, this political powder keg’s ready to go off like a firework! French Interior Minister Bruno Rotayot’s ordered the full monty investigation into the mosque’s goings-on. Looks like someone’s prayers for a quiet life have gone right up the spout!

Our moles reckon that with Franco-Algerian relations gone pear-shaped, and Morocco stealing the limelight, this holy hoopla’s far from over. Watch this space for more revelations in this diplomatic dog’s dinner!