Algerian law declares France's colonisation a crime

Algeria's parliament has unanimously passed a law declaring France's colonisation of the North African state a crime, and demanding an apology and reparations.

The legislation lists crimes committed during French rule from 1830 to 1962, including mass killings, deportations, nuclear tests, torture, and the systematic plundering of resources.

It also demands full compensation for material and moral damages suffered by the Algerian people during the occupation.
France’s rule over Algeria included the bloody war of independence from 1954 to 1962.

Algeria estimates the conflict killed around 1.5 million people, while French historians put the total at roughly 500,000, including 400,000 Algerians.

France has previously recognised colonisation as a “crime against humanity” but has not issued a formal apology.

Algeria hosted a conference last month involving African states to advocate for justice and reparations. Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf stated that any restitution would not be considered a gift or favor but a legal obligation.

Relations worsened last year when France recognised Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara and supported a plan for limited autonomy, while Algeria remains a key supporter of the pro-independence Polisario Front.

Analysts say Algeria’s law is largely symbolic, with no legal effect on France, but it marks a significant rupture in diplomatic and historical relations.

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