Algeria Declares French Colonisation a Crime in Historic New Law

Algeria’s parliament has passed a landmark law that officially declares French colonisation a crime against the Algerian people. The legislation, enacted on June 20, 2024, condemns the period of French rule in Algeria from 1830 to 1962, highlighting severe human rights abuses such as mass killings, deportations, and systematic oppression.

The Algerian government views this law as a crucial step to acknowledge and address the lasting trauma caused by over a century of colonial domination. Under French control, millions of Algerians endured forced displacement, violent repression, and the denial of basic freedoms.

Key objectives of the law include:

• Providing legal grounds to demand reparations for colonial-era abuses.
• Challenging ongoing denial of historical injustices by some parties.
• Implementing education programs to raise awareness of this dark chapter in Algeria’s history.
• Protecting and commemorating the memory of independence fighters who resisted colonisation through cultural activities.

The legislation seeks to honor the sacrifices made by these fighters in securing Algeria’s sovereignty. Meanwhile, officials in France have not yet issued an official response, but the law is anticipated to renew diplomatic tensions between the two nations.

French colonial rule lasted for 132 years until Algeria’s independence was achieved following a brutal war ending in 1962, resulting in the loss and displacement of millions of Algerians. The colonial era was also marked by economic exploitation and suppression of Algerian culture, leaving an enduring impact on society.

This new legislation aligns with a broader global movement, where former colonies pursue historical justice and accountability for crimes committed during colonial times. It sends a strong message about Algeria’s perspective on its colonial past and emphasizes the importance of preserving its national memory for future generations.

The law may also influence broader conversations about colonial histories in other countries.

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