In brief
The Algerian parliament has unanimously passed a law declaring French colonization as a crime, demanding reparations and an apology from France. This legislative move is seen as a significant escalation in already tense diplomatic relations, rooted in historical grievances from the colonial era. While Algeria asserts the French colonial period resulted in extensive human suffering, the French perspective offers different casualty figures. This law also criminalizes the glorification of colonialism, reflecting a broader push for accountability in post-colonial contexts. Emmanuel Macron has acknowledged the colonial past, describing it as a crime against humanity, yet has stopped short of an official apology. The law signifies Algeria's stride towards asserting its historical grievances and claims for reparative justice.
Algeria's parliament has unanimously passed a law declaring France's colonisation of the North African state a crime, and demanding an apology and reparations. The law also criminalises the glorification of colonialism, state-run TV reports.The vote is the latest sign of increasingly strained diplomatic relations between the two countries, with some observers saying they are at their lowest since Algeria gained independence 63 years ago.France's colonisation of Algeria between 1830 and 1962 was marked by mass killings, large-scale deportations and ended in a bloody war of independence. Algeria says the war killed 1.5 million people, while French historians put the death toll much lower.France's President Emmanuel Macron has previously acknowledged the colonisation of Algeria was a 'crime against humanity' but has not offered an apology. Lawmakers wore scarves in the colours of the national flag and chanted 'long live Algeria' as they applauded the bill's passage through parliament.The legislation states that France has 'legal responsibility' for the 'tragedies it caused', insisting that 'full and fair' compensation is an 'inalienable right of the Algerian state and people'. France has not yet commented on the vote.This development occurs amid increasing pressure on Western nations to address historical injustices related to colonialism and slavery, as well as calls for restitution of cultural artifacts. Algeria has demanded the return of a 16th Century bronze cannon taken during the colonial era, with broader conversations about reparations gaining momentum across former colonies. Recently, Algeria also hosted a conference emphasizing justice and reparations for colonial pasts, further solidifying its stance on historical accountability.
