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Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has escalated his country's long-standing demand that France officially recognize the crimes committed during its 132-year colonial rule. In a recent address to both chambers of parliament, Tebboune stated that Algeria is seeking acknowledgment of historical wrongs rather than financial compensation, framing it as a matter of national dignity and memory.
The president's remarks signal a renewed diplomatic push to settle historical accounts between the two nations. The colonial period, which lasted from 1830 to 1962, was marked by violent conflict and systemic oppression, culminating in a brutal war of independence. President Tebboune's speech to the nation outlined his agenda for his second term, placing the issue of colonial memory at the forefront of his political platform.
This presidential demand is being reinforced by concrete legislative action. Algeria's parliament has established a special commission tasked with drafting a law to criminalize French colonialism. Brahim Boughali, Speaker of the People's National Assembly, described the initiative as a "moral and historical duty" intended to honor the sacrifices of the Algerian people and secure recognition of crimes against them. This move formalizes Algeria’s grievances and elevates the issue from a diplomatic dispute to a legal imperative within the country.
Algeria's campaign is not occurring in isolation. It reflects a wider movement among former colonies seeking redress for historical injustices. Discussions within international bodies frequently highlight the persistent consequences of colonial rule. The United Nations' decolonization agenda continues to address the rights of peoples in Non-Self-Governing Territories to self-determination, with many speakers acknowledging the historical debts owed by former colonial powers. As one delegate noted, respecting this right “is not a mere formality.” Algeria’s stance underscores a growing global consensus that a true reckoning with the colonial past is necessary for shaping future international relations, a sentiment strongly supported by President Tebboune, who has sharply condemned the lingering impacts of French dominion on his country.
