Algeria’s parliament approved a law with full agreement. It labels France’s takeover of the North African nation a crime. The measure calls for an apology and payments.
State TV notes the law bans praise for colonialism.
This step highlights worsening ties between the nations. Experts call it the lowest point since independence 63 years back.
France controlled Algeria from 1830 to 1962. That era saw mass deaths and huge forced relocations. It ended in a brutal independence war. Algeria counts 1.5 million war dead. French scholars estimate far less.
President Emmanuel Macron once named the conquest a crime against humanity. He stopped short of an apology.
Lawmakers donned scarves in flag colors. They cheered the bill and shouted “long live Algeria.” News agency AFP covered it.
The law holds France legally accountable for its harms. It demands complete, fair compensation as Algeria’s basic right.
France has made no response so far.
Pressure builds on Western nations for slavery and empire payments. They face demands to return museum artifacts.
Algeria’s leaders seek a 16th-century bronze cannon named Baba Merzoug, or “Blessed Father.” Locals saw it as Algiers’ guardian, now the capital.
French troops seized the city in 1830 after two failed tries. They hauled the cannon to Brest, in northwest France.
France sent back remains of 24 Algerian resisters in 2020. Those fighters died against 19th-century invaders.
Algeria hosted an African summit last month. Leaders there pressed for justice and reparations.
Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf stressed a legal setup. That way, returns won’t seem like handouts.
France-Algeria relations turned sour last year. Macron endorsed Morocco’s claim to Western Sahara. He backed partial self-rule for the area.
Algeria supports the independence-seeking Polisario Front. It acts as their key partner.
French-Algerian author Boualem Sansal faced arrest at Algiers airport. Officials charged him with security threats over border comments. A five-year sentence followed. President Abdelmadjid Tebboune pardoned him last month.
