Algeria's parliament has unanimously passed a law declaring French colonization of the North African nation a crime. The legislation includes demands for an apology and reparations from France, citing France's "legal responsibility" for historical events.
Legislative Action and Demands
The new law, passed unanimously by the Algerian parliament, criminalizes the glorification of colonialism. According to state-run television, the legislation asserts that France bears "legal responsibility" for the "tragedies it caused" during its colonial rule. It further states that "full and fair" compensation is an "inalienable right of the Algerian state and people."
Historical Context
France maintained colonial rule over Algeria from 1830 to 1962. This period involved mass killings and large-scale deportations, culminating in a war of independence. Algeria's government estimates that 1.5 million people died during the war, while French historians present lower casualty figures.
In 2020, France returned the remains of 24 Algerian resistance fighters who died during the 19th-century colonial conflict. French President Emmanuel Macron has previously acknowledged that the colonization of Algeria constituted a "crime against humanity" but has not issued a formal state apology.
Diplomatic Relations
The parliamentary vote takes place amidst strained diplomatic relations between Algeria and France. Some observers have characterized the current relationship as being at its lowest point since Algeria gained independence 63 years ago. France has not yet issued a public comment on the new law.
Several factors have contributed to diplomatic friction:
- Relations notably deteriorated last year following President Macron's announcement of France's recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara and support for a limited autonomy plan for the territory. Algeria supports the pro-independence Polisario Front in Western Sahara.
- Incidents include the arrest and subsequent pardon of French-Algerian novelist Boualem Sansal, who was initially jailed for five years on charges of undermining national security through remarks questioning Algeria's borders.
- Previous diplomatic issues have involved the sentencing of a French sports journalist in Algeria and reported tit-for-tat expulsions between the two nations.
Broader Context of Reparations
The Algerian legislative action aligns with increasing international pressure on Western powers to address historical injustices. These demands include calls for reparations for slavery and colonialism, as well as the return of cultural artifacts held in museums.
Algerian lawmakers have specifically requested the return of Baba Merzoug, a 16th-century bronze cannon that historically protected Algiers. French forces seized the cannon in 1830 during the conquest of the city; it is currently located in Brest, France.
Last month, Algeria hosted a conference for African states advocating for justice and reparations. During the conference, Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf stated that a legal framework would ensure that restitution is not perceived as "a gift nor a favour."