In a significant development, Algeria’s lower house of Parliament, the People’s National Assembly, has initiated a debate on a draft law aimed at criminalizing French colonial rule, which spanned from 1830 to 1962. This proposal marks a pivotal step forward for the Algiers Declaration, a framework conceived at a conference on colonialism held at the end of last year. It represents an unprecedented move in Algerian legislative history, focusing on acknowledgment and redress for the colonial era [source].
The draft law comprises five chapters and 27 articles, designed to align with international legal standards that advocate for peoples’ right to legal redress and historical justice. According to Ibrahim Boughali, Speaker of the Assembly, the legislation seeks to establish France’s accountability, demand recognition, and secure an apology for the colonial crimes, thereby laying the groundwork for reconciling with history and safeguarding national memory.
This legislative endeavor is part of Algeria’s extended efforts to mend its complex relationship with France. While Algeria has consistently called for explicit recognition from France concerning its colonial actions, the subject of colonial memory remains a contentious issue between the nations. Boughali emphasized that the proposal is not aimed at reigniting animosities but rather ensuring that crimes against humanity are not dismissed by silence or justified by force.
The historical context is fraught with pain, as Algeria endured a brutal war of independence from 1954 to 1962, resulting in approximately 1.5 million Algerian and 27,000 French military casualties. France has faced accusations of grave human rights abuses during this period, which it partially acknowledged in 2018. Despite these acknowledgments, the French government, under President Macron, has shown reluctance to issue a formal apology, although he has indicated an interest in fostering relations with Algerian President Tebboune.
The proposed law aims to confront this complex history not merely as a retrospective endeavor but as an acknowledgement of the enduring impact of colonialism. The political and legal importance of preserving memory has been underscored by various scholars and international bodies, conveying that memory serves to resist erasure and confront historical falsehoods.
If enacted, the legislation would fulfill several objectives outlined in the Algiers Declaration, such as the preservation of historical narratives, formal codification of colonial offenses, and the initiating steps toward cultural reparations. The Assembly is expected to cast its votes on this pivotal piece of legislation on Wednesday.