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, as reported by state-run TV. This is a significant move amidst increasingly strained diplomatic relations between Algeria and France, now viewed as being at their lowest since Algeria's independence 63 years ago.
The colonial period from 1830 to 1962 was marred by numerous atrocities, including mass killings and deportations, culminating in a bloody war for independence that Algeria claims cost 1.5 million lives. French historians, however, estimate the death toll to be much lower.
French President Emmanuel Macron previously acknowledged the colonisation of Algeria as a 'crime against humanity' but has yet to provide any formal apology. Amid cheers and chants from lawmakers sporting scarves in national colors, the bill's passage marks a notable moment in Algerian politics.
The legislation states that France has 'legal responsibility' for the 'tragedies it caused,' with 'full and fair' compensation deemed an 'inalienable right' for the Algerian people. The response from France regarding the vote remains pending.
This law emerges during a growing global conversation surrounding reparations for colonial actions, with Algeria also demanding the return of historical artifacts, like a 16th Century bronze cannon currently held in France.
Algerian lawmakers previously responded to political tensions with France, ignited by Macron's comments regarding Western Sahara, which Algeria supports for independence against Morocco.
In 2020, France returned the remains of 24 Algerian resistance fighters, marking a small step in reconciliation. Recently, Algeria convened a conference pushing for reparative justice, as its foreign ministry emphasized that restitution should not be perceived as 'a gift' but a rightful claim.
The colonial period from 1830 to 1962 was marred by numerous atrocities, including mass killings and deportations, culminating in a bloody war for independence that Algeria claims cost 1.5 million lives. French historians, however, estimate the death toll to be much lower.
French President Emmanuel Macron previously acknowledged the colonisation of Algeria as a 'crime against humanity' but has yet to provide any formal apology. Amid cheers and chants from lawmakers sporting scarves in national colors, the bill's passage marks a notable moment in Algerian politics.
The legislation states that France has 'legal responsibility' for the 'tragedies it caused,' with 'full and fair' compensation deemed an 'inalienable right' for the Algerian people. The response from France regarding the vote remains pending.
This law emerges during a growing global conversation surrounding reparations for colonial actions, with Algeria also demanding the return of historical artifacts, like a 16th Century bronze cannon currently held in France.
Algerian lawmakers previously responded to political tensions with France, ignited by Macron's comments regarding Western Sahara, which Algeria supports for independence against Morocco.
In 2020, France returned the remains of 24 Algerian resistance fighters, marking a small step in reconciliation. Recently, Algeria convened a conference pushing for reparative justice, as its foreign ministry emphasized that restitution should not be perceived as 'a gift' but a rightful claim.
