Algeria's parliament has unanimously passed a law declaring France's colonization of the North African state a crime, and demanding an apology and reparations. The law also criminalizes the glorification of colonialism, as reported by state-run TV.
This legislative move underscores the increasingly tense diplomatic relations between Algeria and France, which some observers say are at their lowest since Algeria gained independence 63 years ago. France's colonization of Algeria between 1830 and 1962 was marked by mass killings and deportations, culminating in a bloody war of independence. Algeria estimates that the war resulted in the deaths of 1.5 million people, while French historians report significantly fewer casualties.
France's President Emmanuel Macron has acknowledged that the colonization was a 'crime against humanity,' but he has yet to offer a formal apology. During the parliamentary session, lawmakers proudly wore scarves in the colors of the Algerian flag while chanting supportive slogans for Algeria as the bill passed.
The new legislation emphasizes that France has 'legal responsibility' for the historical tragedies caused during its colonial rule and insists on 'full and fair' compensation as an 'inalienable right' for the Algerian state and its people.
The pressure on Western nations to address colonial histories through reparations is growing. Algeria's lawmakers have been particularly vocal about demanding the return of a 16th Century bronze cannon, known as Baba Merzoug, now residing in Brest, France.
In 2020, France returned the remains of 24 Algerian resistance fighters but relations remained contentious, particularly following Macron's support of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara, a stance that further strained ties as Algeria supports the pro-independence Polisario Front in the region.
This legislative move underscores the increasingly tense diplomatic relations between Algeria and France, which some observers say are at their lowest since Algeria gained independence 63 years ago. France's colonization of Algeria between 1830 and 1962 was marked by mass killings and deportations, culminating in a bloody war of independence. Algeria estimates that the war resulted in the deaths of 1.5 million people, while French historians report significantly fewer casualties.
France's President Emmanuel Macron has acknowledged that the colonization was a 'crime against humanity,' but he has yet to offer a formal apology. During the parliamentary session, lawmakers proudly wore scarves in the colors of the Algerian flag while chanting supportive slogans for Algeria as the bill passed.
The new legislation emphasizes that France has 'legal responsibility' for the historical tragedies caused during its colonial rule and insists on 'full and fair' compensation as an 'inalienable right' for the Algerian state and its people.
The pressure on Western nations to address colonial histories through reparations is growing. Algeria's lawmakers have been particularly vocal about demanding the return of a 16th Century bronze cannon, known as Baba Merzoug, now residing in Brest, France.
In 2020, France returned the remains of 24 Algerian resistance fighters but relations remained contentious, particularly following Macron's support of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara, a stance that further strained ties as Algeria supports the pro-independence Polisario Front in the region.
