On Dec. 24, the Algerian Parliament fully passed a law recognizing Franceβs colonial rule in Algeria from 1830 to 1962 as a βstate crime,β calling for an official apology from Paris and demanding compensation. While the law clearly confirms Franceβs legal responsibility for its colonial past, it also made an already fragile diplomatic relationship more visible. Paris called this move hostile, while the law text asks France to face crimes ranging from nuclear tests and extra-legal executions to organized torture and the taking of resources. It also asks for βfull and fairβ compensation for the material and emotional damage caused by these crimes.
Colonialism, however, was not confined to Algerian soil. Even after Algeria gained independence, the old colonial relationship continued, changing its form but still happening through labor inside French territory. After 1962, France systematically allowed North African immigrant workers, creating a reliance on labor that became a new version of old colonial structures.
Algeriaβs independence was a deep historical defeat for France.
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