Algeria is taking bold steps to address its colonial legacy. The French government has put forward a draft law that would make it a crime to deny the positive effects of French colonial rule (1830-1962). The People’s National Assembly, Algeria’s lower house of parliament, is currently in full emergency debate over a new code. This bill aims to bring some accountability for France’s grave and rampant human rights abuses during its 132 years of occupation.
French colonization of Algeria was violent and brutal, with hundreds of thousands tortured, disappeared, and massacred. Algerians fought an intense war of liberation from 1954-1962. This bloody conflict led to the death of between 800,000 and 1.5 million people and forced 4 million others from their homes. These colonial forces killed millions and incinerated or razed thousands of African villages. At great human cost and loss, they achieved this by violently uprooting approximately two million Algerians.
Historical Context of Colonial Rule
From 1830 until 1962, France implanted a repressive colonial regime in Algeria. This discriminatory regime repressed the Indigenous Muslim majority and pillaged the nation’s wealth. French rule was characterized by brutal violence and repression, particularly intended to keep the territory in line with a colonial government in exile. This tragic and painful chapter in history has left profound scars that are still impacting national Algerian society today.
The Algerian war of independence was particularly brutal and characterized by guerrilla warfare, massive repression, and a struggle for national identity. Thousands of people went missing during this uprising, accentuating just how far these colonial forces were willing to go to use deadly force to put down protests and unrest. The legacy of these events has inspired a growing reparatory justice movement and is an important touchstone in current discussions about colonialism and reparations.
Recent Developments in Franco-Algerian Relations
And it’s worth acknowledging that in recent years, the relationship between France and Algeria has been decidedly frosty, especially when framed by grievances of the past. In 2018, French President Emmanuel Macron acknowledged the country’s responsibility for systematic torture during Algeria’s war of independence. Yet Mr Macron has repeatedly stopped short of a full apology for France’s colonial misdeeds.
Macron continued, “I don’t think it’s up to me to ask for forgiveness. Morrison thinks an apology would further ruffle relations. He warned against the notion that apologies alone could resolve historical grievances, saying, “The worst thing would be to decide: ‘we apologise and each go our own way.’” As bipartisan opposition to reparations swells, the comments illustrate a desire to avoid an earnest reconciliation effort.
Algerian officials claim that France’s occupation was more than an economic plunder. In their public statement, they underscore the moral imperative to address these legacy harms through law.
“It is a supreme act of sovereignty, a clear moral stance, and an unambiguous political message, expressing Algeria’s commitment to its inalienable rights and its loyalty to the sacrifices of its people,” – Ibrahim Boughali.
Implications of the Draft Law
If adopted, the proposed draft law would be a landmark move by Algeria to come to terms with the legacy of its colonial past. It represents the first steps in a recognition and accountability from France towards all of the harm it caused through its actions during the colonial era. This law raises dire legal implications. It could affect the future course of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Debate has just begun in the People’s National Assembly on such measures. Time will tell, but many Algerians feel this legislative step is important in order to reconcile with their traumatic history. All of this is cause for optimism. It might lead to more robust conversations about the colonial legacy that pervades many former colonies and their struggle for justice today.
