In a scathing address to Algeria’s parliament, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune issued a strong condemnation of France over the lingering wounds of its colonial rule, insisting that the French government must confront the brutal legacy of its 132-year occupation of Algeria. The speech, delivered on Sunday, served both as a reflection on his first term from 2019 to 2024 and as a preview of his second term, which began in September.
Tebboune, addressing the nation through the Algerian parliament, reiterated his longstanding demand for France to acknowledge the extensive damage caused by its colonial actions. ‘We are not seeking financial reparations,’ Tebboune said, ‘but we are demanding that France recognises its crimes against our nation and our ancestors.’ His remarks highlighted the deep sense of injustice felt by many in Algeria, which still grapples with the consequences of its colonial past.
Colonial legacy and the call for justice
A key focus of Tebboune’s speech was the staggering loss of life Algeria suffered during the colonial era. He stated that over 5.6 million Algerians lost their lives during the brutal period of French colonisation, and no amount of money could ever compensate for the lives lost in the fight for independence. ‘We are pursuing the dignity of our ancestors,’ he stressed, reinforcing that the struggle for recognition and justice is not about monetary compensation but about honouring those who sacrificed everything for their country’s freedom.
Tebboune’s remarks come amid escalating tensions between Algeria and France. These tensions have been exacerbated by allegations of hostile actions committed by French foreign intelligence services on Algerian soil. The situation reached a new peak when Algeria withdrew its ambassador from France and summoned the French ambassador in protest. Tebboune’s speech was seen as an extension of this wider diplomatic crisis, which has simmered since Algeria gained independence in 1962.
Revisiting the atrocities of French rule
President Tebboune did not hold back in recalling some of the most harrowing chapters of French colonial rule. He pointed to the actions of General Thomas Robert Bugeaud, who served as the governor-general of Algeria from 1841 to 1847. Tebboune described Bugeaud’s actions as ‘genocidal,’ referring to the widespread massacres, forced displacement, and other violent tactics used by the French military during his tenure.
Perhaps most strikingly, Tebboune called attention to France’s continued possession of human remains from the colonial era. He noted that France still holds the skulls of 500 Algerians who were decapitated during the colonial period and shipped to Paris as trophies. These skulls were taken from Algerian resistance fighters and have become a symbol of the country’s painful history under French rule. ‘We have managed to recover only 24 of these skulls so far,’ Tebboune said, calling on France to return them as part of a broader reckoning with its colonial past.
Plans for political dialogue and national unity
Beyond the colonial issue, Tebboune also outlined his vision for Algeria’s future, focusing on political reform and national unity. He announced plans to initiate a dialogue with political parties early in the new year, aimed at strengthening Algeria’s state independence and fostering internal cohesion. Tebboune’s call for dialogue comes at a time when Algeria’s political landscape is deeply divided, and many opposition groups have voiced concerns about the government’s handling of domestic issues.
Tebboune described the proposed dialogue as ‘inclusive and deep,’ emphasising that it would pave the way for new laws governing political parties and associations. While the exact date for the dialogue’s start remains unclear, the process is expected to culminate in significant reforms intended to address political dissatisfaction and enhance the functioning of Algeria’s democratic institutions.
A nation still wounded by its past
Algeria’s strained relationship with France remains one of the most enduring legacies of the colonial period. For many Algerians, the fight for independence from French rule, which culminated in 1962, is not just a historical event but a living memory. The country continues to deal with the economic, social, and cultural ramifications of colonialism, and the demand for justice and recognition is a central aspect of Algeria’s national identity.
While the political climate in Algeria remains complex, Tebboune’s stance against France signals a continued commitment to preserving the memory of the martyrs who fought for the country’s freedom. His call for an honest reckoning with the colonial past is unlikely to be resolved easily, but it reflects a broader desire for Algeria to reclaim its dignity and ensure that the sacrifices of its people are never forgotten.
As Tebboune embarks on his second term in office, it’s clear that the legacy of French colonialism will continue to shape Algeria’s political agenda and its relationship with the former colonial power. Whether his calls for justice and dialogue will resonate beyond the walls of parliament remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: for many in Algeria, the wounds of the past are far from healed.
Credit: Africabreifing
