In a move that dramatically raises the stakes in a long-standing historical dispute, Algeria’s parliament has unanimously passed a new law that formally declares France’s 132-year colonisation of the country a “crime.” The legislation, passed with lawmakers chanting “long live Algeria,” demands an official apology and “full and equitable compensation” from Paris for the damages inflicted. This bold step, as reported by BBC News, marks a new low in diplomatic relations between the two nations and reignites the global debate over colonial accountability.
What the Landmark Law Actually Says
The new legislation is far-reaching. It holds the French state “legally responsible” for the tragedies of its colonial past in Algeria between 1830 and 1962, a period marked by a brutal war of independence that Algeria says cost 1.5 million lives. The law goes beyond symbolism; it frames reparations as an “inalienable right” for the Algerian state and people. It also takes a hard stance domestically, defining the collaboration of the “Harkis”—Algerians who fought for the French army—as “high treason” and criminalizing the act of glorifying or justifying colonialism within Algeria. According to Al Jazeera, the law is part of a broader push for colonial justice being championed by Algeria on the African stage.
France’s Reaction and a History of Strained Ties
The reaction from Paris was swift and critical. A French foreign ministry spokesperson called the law “a manifestly hostile initiative” that harms dialogue and calm discussions on history. This tension isn’t new. While French President Emmanuel Macron has acknowledged colonisation was a “crime against humanity,” he has stopped short of the formal apology Algeria seeks. Relations have been particularly strained since 2022, when France shifted its position to recognize Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara, a move that deeply angered Algeria, the main backer of the pro-independence Polisario Front. This geopolitical rift, explored in our analysis of ongoing tensions between Morocco and Algeria, forms the fraught backdrop to this historical reckoning.
A Domestic and Symbolic Power Play
Beyond its international aims, the law serves powerful domestic purposes. For the Algerian government, it reinforces national narrative and unity, framing the struggle against France as a foundational, sacred event. It also allows the state to tighten control over historical discourse by outlawing pro-colonial views. This approach to managing public discourse and historical memory is not isolated in the region, as seen in various laws tightening control over media and expression. The law also adds legal weight to ongoing demands for the return of looted cultural artefacts, like the famed 16th-century Baba Merzoug cannon taken to France in 1830.
The Global Context of Colonial Reckoning
Algeria’s move taps into a growing global movement. From the Caribbean to Africa, former colonies are increasingly demanding reparations for slavery and colonialism and the return of plundered heritage. Algeria recently hosted a conference of African states to build a united front on this issue. Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf emphasized the need for a legal framework so restitution is seen not as “a gift nor a favour,” but as justice. This law positions Algeria as a leader in this contentious, worldwide debate, insisting that colonial crimes have lasting consequences that must be addressed materially, not just with words.
A Path Forward Filled with Obstacles
The new law creates a significant roadblock for Franco-Algerian relations. France is highly unlikely to offer an apology or compensation, fearing it would open the door to countless other claims. For now, the legislation stands as a defiant statement of Algeria’s unresolved grievances and its refusal to let the colonial chapter be closed on France’s terms. It ensures that the painful history, including events like the Setif Massacre, remains a live political issue. As both nations navigate this fresh crisis, the law ensures that the deep wounds of the past will continue to shape their difficult present and future.
