Algeria Takes Steps to Criminalise Colonial Rule Amid Tensions with France

Synopsis

Algeria's parliament has formed a commission to draft legislation criminalising French colonial rule from 1830 to 1962. This pivotal action occurs as diplomatic relations with France deteriorate, underscoring the ongoing struggle for recognition of past atrocities.

Key Takeaways

Algeria's parliament is drafting a law against French colonialism.
Brahim Boughali emphasizes the importance of remembering history.
Support from lawmakers and historians for an official French apology.
The 1845 Dahra Massacre is highlighted as a key event.
Diplomatic tensions with France are escalating.

Algiers, March 24 (NationPress) Algeria's parliament has initiated the formation of a commission dedicated to drafting legislation that would criminalise French colonial rule (1830-1962), a significant step regarded as "historical" in light of growing diplomatic tensions between the two nations.

During a meeting conducted last week, where the decision to advance this legislation was taken, Speaker of the People's National Assembly, Brahim Boughali, stated that "the issue of memory," which pertains to Algeria's historical remembrance, is not a tool for coercion or negotiation, but a solemn commitment to honour the tremendous sacrifices made by the Algerian people and a moral and historical obligation to uncover the truth and attain recognition of the atrocities committed against the populace.

Once completed, the draft legislation will be presented to the government for endorsement.

This initiative has received backing from legislators, historians, and legal authorities, who assert that France must formally apologise for its colonial transgressions in Algeria. They cited instances of French colonial brutality, including the 1845 Dahra Massacre, where French forces exterminated hundreds of Algerians by forcing them out from cave shelters, and nuclear tests conducted in the Sahara, which inflicted severe radiation exposure on local communities and the environment, with many Algerians still grappling with adverse health impacts.

Demands for this type of legislation have existed since 1984 but have encountered numerous delays. A similar proposal was unsuccessfully presented in 2001.

The topic re-emerged in 2005 after a contentious French law that required the teaching of the "positive role" of French colonialism, as reported by Xinhua news agency. In 2021, over a hundred Algerian legislators endorsed a draft bill prohibiting agreements with France until it acknowledges its colonial offences.

The diplomatic schism between Algiers and Paris has intensified in recent months, driven by disagreements over immigration policies, historical grievances, and France's support for Morocco in disputes regarding Western Sahara, among other issues.

In a televised interview on Saturday addressing the escalating diplomatic friction, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune stressed that French President Emmanuel Macron remains the "only point of reference" for addressing bilateral matters, highlighting Algeria's dedication to direct dialogue with Macron or his appointed representatives.

Algeria continues to press the French government to acknowledge its colonial crimes and extend an official apology, a measure viewed by Algiers as critical for both countries to transcend historical grievances and foster stable and constructive relations.