**Algiers, Algeria –** In a move poised to significantly recalibrate its fraught relationship with Paris, the Algerian Parliament has unanimously legislated to officially classify France's colonial occupation of its territory as a crime. This landmark bill, passed on Wednesday, not only formally condemns the historical injustices perpetrated during the 132-year period of French rule but also articulates a demand for reparations and an official apology from the former colonial power. The legislation further stipulates that any glorification of colonialism will be criminalised within Algeria, underscoring a firm stance on national memory and historical accountability.
The parliamentary resolution asserts that France bears "legal responsibility" for the profound suffering and devastation inflicted upon Algeria. It unequivocally states that "full and fair compensation for all material and moral damages" stemming from the colonial era constitutes an "inalienable right" for the Algerian state and its populace. This comprehensive indictment details a litany of colonial transgressions, encompassing illicit nuclear testing, extrajudicial killings, systematic torture, and the extensive plundering of natural resources, painting a stark picture of the enduring legacy of French dominion.
This legislative action arrives at a juncture where diplomatic ties between Algeria and France are reportedly at their nadir since Algeria secured its independence 63 years ago, following a brutal War of Independence from 1954 to 1962. The capture of Algiers by French forces in 1830 marked the commencement of an era of subjugation that left an indelible scar on Algerian society. The parliament's speaker, Ibrahim Boughali, articulated the bill's significance, stating it sends "a clear message, both internally and externally, that Algeria’s national memory is neither erasable nor negotiable." Lawmakers, adorned in scarves mirroring the national flag's colours, reportedly chanted "long live Algeria" during the vote, amplifying the symbolic weight of the occasion.
Beyond the broader pronouncements, the legislation also includes a specific demand for the repatriation of a significant historical artifact: the 16th-century bronze cannon, Baba Merzoug, which was seized by French troops in 1830 and is currently housed in the French port city of Brest. This demand highlights Algeria's broader aspiration for the return of looted cultural heritage, a theme resonating with a growing global movement advocating for Western powers to account for their colonial histories.
While the bill is largely symbolic in its immediate impact, its passage represents a potent political statement, amplifying Algeria's long-held grievances and contributing to the burgeoning international discourse on reparations for historical injustices. It signifies a determined effort by Algeria to assert its historical narrative and seek redress for the profound and lasting consequences of French colonisation, potentially ushering in a new phase of diplomatic engagement, or indeed, confrontation, between the two nations. The Algerian government’s move is likely to intensify pressure on France, under President Emmanuel Macron, to confront its colonial past more directly and to engage in substantive dialogue regarding accountability and restitution.