Algeria Criminalises French Colonial Rule, Demands Apology and Reparations as Ties With Paris Sink to New Lows

Algeria has taken a dramatic and historic step in confronting its colonial past by passing a new law that formally declares France’s colonisation of the North African country a crime. The legislation, unanimously approved by Algeria’s parliament, goes further by criminalising the glorification of colonialism and explicitly demanding an official apology and reparations from France for more than a century of occupation and violence. The move underscores a sharp deterioration in relations between Algiers and Paris, with analysts suggesting bilateral ties are now at their worst since Algeria gained independence in 1962.

France occupied Algeria from 1830 until 1962, a period marked by widespread repression, mass killings, land seizures, cultural erasure, and large-scale deportations. The colonisation culminated in a brutal eight-year war of independence that ended with Algeria breaking free from French rule. Algerian authorities maintain that around 1.5 million Algerians were killed during the struggle, a figure that remains contested by French historians, who cite significantly lower numbers. Regardless of the exact toll, there is broad consensus that the human cost of French rule in Algeria was immense and traumatic.

The newly passed law states that France bears “legal responsibility” for the tragedies inflicted on Algeria and affirms that “full and fair” compensation is an inalienable right of the Algerian people and state. During the parliamentary session, lawmakers wore scarves in the colours of the national flag and erupted into chants of “Long live Algeria” as the bill was adopted, symbolising the deep emotional and political weight attached to the issue. State television and international agencies such as AFP described the atmosphere as both celebratory and defiant.

Although French President Emmanuel Macron has previously acknowledged that colonisation involved “crimes against humanity,” he has stopped short of offering a formal apology or endorsing reparations. France has also yet to officially respond to the passage of the Algerian law. This silence comes amid growing global pressure on former colonial powers to confront historical injustices, return looted artefacts, and consider reparations for slavery and colonial exploitation.

Algeria has been particularly vocal in this international push. Lawmakers have renewed demands for the return of Baba Merzoug, a 16th-century bronze cannon that once symbolised the defence of Algiers and was seized by French forces during the conquest of the city in 1830. The cannon currently sits in the French port city of Brest. While France did take a symbolic step in 2020 by returning the remains of 24 Algerian resistance fighters killed in the 19th century, Algerians argue that such gestures fall far short of genuine accountability.

The law also reflects Algeria’s broader diplomatic posture in recent years. Last month, the country hosted a conference of African states aimed at coordinating demands for justice and reparations. Algeria’s Foreign Minister, Ahmed Attaf, emphasised that restitution must be framed as a matter of right, not charity, insisting that historical redress should never be portrayed as a “gift or a favour.”

Political tensions between Algeria and France have been further aggravated by geopolitical disagreements. Relations soured significantly after President Macron announced France’s recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara, backing Rabat’s proposal for limited autonomy in the disputed territory. Algeria, a staunch supporter of the pro-independence Polisario Front, viewed the move as a direct affront to its regional position and principles.

The diplomatic rift was compounded by the arrest of French-Algerian novelist Boualem Sansal at Algiers airport, where he was later sentenced to five years in prison for remarks deemed to undermine national security. Although President Abdelmadjid Tebboune eventually pardoned him, the episode added another layer of mistrust between the two countries.

Public reactions to Algeria’s new law have been polarised. Supporters hail it as a bold assertion of sovereignty and historical truth, long overdue in a world where colonial crimes are often minimised or forgotten. Critics, however, argue that such laws have no retrospective effect under international law and question what practical outcomes Algeria can realistically achieve. Still, many observers note that symbolism matters: the law sends a powerful message that the wounds of colonialism remain open and unresolved.

Ultimately, Algeria’s decision represents more than a legal declaration. It is a political statement, a moral demand, and a reminder that the legacy of colonialism continues to shape global relationships. Whether France responds with dialogue, denial, or indifference, the law ensures that the question of accountability will remain firmly on the international agenda.