Algeria Passes Law Criminalizing French Colonial Rule, Demands Reparations

A historic wound has been pried open. Algeria's parliament has unanimously passed a law declaring France's colonization a crime, demanding an official apology and reparations in a move that could redefine their relationship. According to state-run TV, the law also criminalizes the glorification of colonialism, signaling a dramatic escalation in diplomatic tensions, which some observers say are at their lowest since Algeria gained independence 63 years ago.

The 'Crime' of Colonization

French colonization of Algeria, which lasted from 1830 to 1962, was marked by mass killings and large-scale deportations. The new legislation, as reported by AFP, asserts that France has "legal responsibility" for the tragedies it caused and that "full and fair" compensation is an "inalienable right of the Algerian state and people." Algeria maintains the bloody war of independence killed1.5 million people, a figure disputed by French historians who place the death toll much lower. France has not yet commented on the vote.

A Relationship at Its Nadir

While French President Emmanuel Macron has previously acknowledged colonization as a "crime against humanity," he has stopped short of offering a formal apology. Relations soured significantly last year after France recognized Moroccan sovereignty over the disputed Western Sahara. Algeria is the main backer of the pro-independence Polisario Front, putting the two nations on opposing sides of the conflict.

The Broader Push for Historical Justice

This law arrives amid growing global pressure on Western powers to offer reparations for slavery and colonialism. Algeria has long demanded the return of a 16th Century bronze cannon known as Baba Merzoug, captured by French forces in 1830 and now located in Brest, France. In a recent gesture, France did return the remains of 24 Algerian resistance fighters in 2020, but for many Algerians, it's not nearly enough.