The Algerian Senate (the upper house of Parliament) approved on Sunday a bill criminalizing French colonialism after making amendments, following marathon discussions about its political, legislative, and historical implications.
This decision follows a heated debate that lasted over four months between the two houses of Parliament, as the bill was introduced during a peak in the diplomatic crisis with France. Algeria has leveraged this law as part of its responses to what it perceives as provocations from its former colonizer.
Details of the Legislation
One of the most significant amendments adopted was the rephrasing of Article Nine of the bill, where the phrase "and an apology for colonial crimes" was removed. This step has been described as a legal maneuver, as Algeria seeks to extract an official French acknowledgment of the crimes committed during the colonial era, while navigating potential obstacles in diplomatic relations.
The National People's Assembly (the lower parliamentary chamber) had approved the bill in December 2025, at a time when tensions with France were escalating, particularly after the July 2024 acknowledgment by the Élysée of Morocco's sovereignty over the Sahara. The bill was seen as part of this broader tension.
Background & Context
The legislative text aims to address colonialism as a "state crime" and document violations such as murder, torture, displacement, and French nuclear tests in the Algerian desert. In its initial form, the law included clear demands directed at France, notably a formal apology and comprehensive financial reparations for the victims.
However, when it was referred to the upper house in March, the clauses regarding apology and compensation were removed following disputes within Parliament. This move is interpreted as a directive from the higher authorities in the country to maintain a "backtrack option" in relations with France.
Impact & Consequences
Despite Algeria's omission of the "apology" detail from the legal text, the intensity of the crisis has not diminished; rather, it has escalated following accusations against Paris of "state terrorism." The French prosecutor specializing in terrorism cases, Olivier Christen, pointed to the case of the abducted Algerian opposition YouTuber, Amir Boukhars, which provoked significant outrage among Algerians.
This situation reflects the ongoing tensions between Algeria and France, as well as the challenges Algeria faces in its foreign policy, where it seeks to maintain its sovereignty and bolster its position on the international stage.
Regional Significance
This law may impact relations between Algeria and other countries in the region, especially those with similar colonial experiences. It also reflects Algeria's trend towards strengthening its national identity and rejecting any attempts to downplay the effects of colonialism.
Ultimately, this law represents an important step in reinforcing Algeria's historical memory and reflects the Algerian people's desire for acknowledgment of past crimes, which could influence future relations with former colonial powers.