Latest news with #Algerians'
08-05-2025
- Politics
As Europe celebrates the triumph of V-E Day, Algeria marks parallel legacy of colonial-era massacres
ALGIERS, Algeria -- As Europe celebrates the 80th anniversary of its triumph over fascism and the end of World War II, Algeria is remembering a darker anniversary: the colonial-era massacres that erupted the same day. In a message this week, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune framed commemoration as a matter of national pride and called the event a prelude to Algeria's fight for independence. 'The commemoration of May 8 reflects the Algerians' commitment to freedom and dignity, for which they took to the streets with bare hands to confront an enemy,' Tebboune said, calling French colonialism 'genocidal' and a crime against humanity. More than 500,000 tirailleurs from North Africa, West Africa and Madagascar fought for France during WWII. Some volunteered, others were forcibly conscripted. Many lost their lives. Across the board, they were generally paid less than European soldiers. Many Algerian veterans believed their service would lead to greater rights. But when the war ended, Algerians who dared to demand them were met with repression and violence, even as French leader Gen. Charles De Gaulle exalted how 'the cause of liberty and justice' had prevailed in a radio broadcast throughout France and its colonies, including Algeria. On May 8, 1945, Algerians filled city streets in Ain Temouchent, Guelma, Kherrata and Setif, waving flags and reviving pre-war calls for independence. After demonstrators faced police fire, anti-French riots broke out, killing more than 100. France subsequently launched an air and ground offensive that killed thousands of Algerians — 45,000, according to Algerian authorities, and around 3,000, according to French statistics. The war's ending sparked similar disenchantment in Britain's colonies in East and West Africa, where more than 375,000 men enlisted. Soldiers who returned home expecting to be rewarded for their service instead faced racism and a continued lack of political representation. Both helped fuel the subsequent Mau Mau rebellion against British rule in Kenya, during which tens of thousands were killed. In recent years, memorials there as well as in South Africa have honored the service of African veterans. Elsewhere, including in Senegal, they've commemorated injustice and violence that many endured post-war. For many in Algeria, the May 8 massacres awakened the anger and resolve that later fueled Algeria's war for independence. 'They understood that the only possible and unique path to independence was armed struggle,' historian Mohamed Ferrad said in an interview this week. V-E Day events have been going all week in Europe, where leaders have focused on the plight of Ukraine in its fight against Russia and values such as freedom and democracy. French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to speak on similar topics on Thursday evening. Meanwhile, Algeria's Ministry of War Veterans is marking the anniversary with a series of nationwide events and panels featuring firsthand accounts from veterans and lectures from historians on the battle for independence after 132 years of French colonialism. The massacres have been debated in popular books and films in Algeria and France and are a recurring theme when tensions flare between the two countries. Tebboune and Macron announced a truth commission-style 'dossier de memoire' in 2022, led by a committee of historians from both countries. However its activities have stalled as relations deteriorated over issues such as immigration and how France's juggles ties between Algeria and its regional rival Morocco. French leaders, including Macron, have called for truth and recognition but stopped short of fulfilling Algeria's demands for a formal state apology for the massacres. 'Algeria will never allow the memory issue to be forgotten or used as a bargaining chip, out of loyalty to our martyrs,' Tebboune wrote in his Wednesday letter. A delegation of around 30 French lawmakers from leftist and centrist parties arrived in Algiers on Wednesday to participate in the commemorations of the massacres.
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
As Europe celebrates the triumph of V-E Day, Algeria marks parallel legacy of colonial-era massacres
ALGIERS, Algeria (AP) — As Europe celebrates the 80th anniversary of its triumph over fascism and the end of World War II, Algeria is remembering a darker anniversary: the colonial-era massacres that erupted the same day. In a message this week, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune framed commemoration as a matter of national pride and called the event a prelude to Algeria's fight for independence. 'The commemoration of May 8 reflects the Algerians' commitment to freedom and dignity, for which they took to the streets with bare hands to confront an enemy,' Tebboune said, calling French colonialism 'genocidal' and a crime against humanity. More than 500,000 tirailleurs from North Africa, West Africa and Madagascar fought for France during WWII. Some volunteered, others were forcibly conscripted. Many lost their lives. Across the board, they were generally paid less than European soldiers. Many Algerian veterans believed their service would lead to greater rights. But when the war ended, Algerians who dared to demand them were met with repression and violence, even as French leader Gen. Charles De Gaulle exalted how 'the cause of liberty and justice' had prevailed in a radio broadcast throughout France and its colonies, including Algeria. On May 8, 1945, Algerians filled city streets in Ain Temouchent, Guelma, Kherrata and Setif, waving flags and reviving pre-war calls for independence. After demonstrators faced police fire, anti-French riots broke out, killing more than 100. France subsequently launched an air and ground offensive that killed thousands of Algerians — 45,000, according to Algerian authorities, and around 3,000, according to French statistics. The war's ending sparked similar disenchantment in Britain's colonies in East and West Africa, where more than 375,000 men enlisted. Soldiers who returned home expecting to be rewarded for their service instead faced racism and a continued lack of political representation. Both helped fuel the subsequent Mau Mau rebellion against British rule in Kenya, during which tens of thousands were killed. In recent years, memorials there as well as in South Africa have honored the service of African veterans. Elsewhere, including in Senegal, they've commemorated injustice and violence that many endured post-war. For many in Algeria, the May 8 massacres awakened the anger and resolve that later fueled Algeria's war for independence. 'They understood that the only possible and unique path to independence was armed struggle,' historian Mohamed Ferrad said in an interview this week. V-E Day events have been going all week in Europe, where leaders have focused on the plight of Ukraine in its fight against Russia and values such as freedom and democracy. French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to speak on similar topics on Thursday evening. Meanwhile, Algeria's Ministry of War Veterans is marking the anniversary with a series of nationwide events and panels featuring firsthand accounts from veterans and lectures from historians on the battle for independence after 132 years of French colonialism. The massacres have been debated in popular books and films in Algeria and France and are a recurring theme when tensions flare between the two countries. Tebboune and Macron announced a truth commission-style 'dossier de memoire' in 2022, led by a committee of historians from both countries. However its activities have stalled as relations deteriorated over issues such as immigration and how France's juggles ties between Algeria and its regional rival Morocco. French leaders, including Macron, have called for truth and recognition but stopped short of fulfilling Algeria's demands for a formal state apology for the massacres. 'Algeria will never allow the memory issue to be forgotten or used as a bargaining chip, out of loyalty to our martyrs,' Tebboune wrote in his Wednesday letter. A delegation of around 30 French lawmakers from leftist and centrist parties arrived in Algiers on Wednesday to participate in the commemorations of the massacres.
Winnipeg Free Press
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Winnipeg Free Press
As Europe celebrates the triumph of V-E Day, Algeria marks parallel legacy of colonial-era massacres
ALGIERS, Algeria (AP) — As Europe celebrates the 80th anniversary of its triumph over fascism and the end of World War II, Algeria is remembering a darker anniversary: the colonial-era massacres that erupted the same day. In a message this week, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune framed commemoration as a matter of national pride and called the event a prelude to Algeria's fight for independence. 'The commemoration of May 8 reflects the Algerians' commitment to freedom and dignity, for which they took to the streets with bare hands to confront an enemy,' Tebboune said, calling French colonialism 'genocidal' and a crime against humanity. More than 500,000 tirailleurs from North Africa, West Africa and Madagascar fought for France during WWII. Some volunteered, others were forcibly conscripted. Many lost their lives. Across the board, they were generally paid less than European soldiers. Many Algerian veterans believed their service would lead to greater rights. But when the war ended, Algerians who dared to demand them were met with repression and violence, even as French leader Gen. Charles De Gaulle exalted how 'the cause of liberty and justice' had prevailed in a radio broadcast throughout France and its colonies, including Algeria. On May 8, 1945, Algerians filled city streets in Ain Temouchent, Guelma, Kherrata and Setif, waving flags and reviving pre-war calls for independence. After demonstrators faced police fire, anti-French riots broke out, killing more than 100. France subsequently launched an air and ground offensive that killed thousands of Algerians — 45,000, according to Algerian authorities, and around 3,000, according to French statistics. The war's ending sparked similar disenchantment in Britain's colonies in East and West Africa, where more than 375,000 men enlisted. Soldiers who returned home expecting to be rewarded for their service instead faced racism and a continued lack of political representation. Both helped fuel the subsequent Mau Mau rebellion against British rule in Kenya, during which tens of thousands were killed. In recent years, memorials there as well as in South Africa have honored the service of African veterans. Elsewhere, including in Senegal, they've commemorated injustice and violence that many endured post-war. For many in Algeria, the May 8 massacres awakened the anger and resolve that later fueled Algeria's war for independence. 'They understood that the only possible and unique path to independence was armed struggle,' historian Mohamed Ferrad said in an interview this week. V-E Day events have been going all week in Europe, where leaders have focused on the plight of Ukraine in its fight against Russia and values such as freedom and democracy. French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to speak on similar topics on Thursday evening. Meanwhile, Algeria's Ministry of War Veterans is marking the anniversary with a series of nationwide events and panels featuring firsthand accounts from veterans and lectures from historians on the battle for independence after 132 years of French colonialism. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. The massacres have been debated in popular books and films in Algeria and France and are a recurring theme when tensions flare between the two countries. Tebboune and Macron announced a truth commission-style 'dossier de memoire' in 2022, led by a committee of historians from both countries. However its activities have stalled as relations deteriorated over issues such as immigration and how France's juggles ties between Algeria and its regional rival Morocco. French leaders, including Macron, have called for truth and recognition but stopped short of fulfilling Algeria's demands for a formal state apology for the massacres. 'Algeria will never allow the memory issue to be forgotten or used as a bargaining chip, out of loyalty to our martyrs,' Tebboune wrote in his Wednesday letter. A delegation of around 30 French lawmakers from leftist and centrist parties arrived in Algiers on Wednesday to participate in the commemorations of the massacres.
Associated Press
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Associated Press
As Europe celebrates the triumph of V-E Day, Algeria marks parallel legacy of colonial-era massacres
ALGIERS, Algeria (AP) — As Europe celebrates the 80th anniversary of its triumph over fascism and the end of World War II, Algeria is remembering a darker anniversary: the colonial-era massacres that erupted the same day. In a message this week, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune framed commemoration as a matter of national pride and called the event a prelude to Algeria's fight for independence. 'The commemoration of May 8 reflects the Algerians' commitment to freedom and dignity, for which they took to the streets with bare hands to confront an enemy,' Tebboune said, calling French colonialism 'genocidal' and a crime against humanity. More than 500,000 tirailleurs from North Africa, West Africa and Madagascar fought for France during WWII. Some volunteered, others were forcibly conscripted. Many lost their lives. Across the board, they were generally paid less than European soldiers. Many Algerian veterans believed their service would lead to greater rights. But when the war ended, Algerians who dared to demand them were met with repression and violence, even as French leader Gen. Charles De Gaulle exalted how 'the cause of liberty and justice' had prevailed in a radio broadcast throughout France and its colonies, including Algeria. On May 8, 1945, Algerians filled city streets in Ain Temouchent, Guelma, Kherrata and Setif, waving flags and reviving pre-war calls for independence. After demonstrators faced police fire, anti-French riots broke out, killing more than 100. France subsequently launched an air and ground offensive that killed thousands of Algerians — 45,000, according to Algerian authorities, and around 3,000, according to French statistics. The war's ending sparked similar disenchantment in Britain's colonies in East and West Africa, where more than 375,000 men enlisted. Soldiers who returned home expecting to be rewarded for their service instead faced racism and a continued lack of political representation. Both helped fuel the subsequent Mau Mau rebellion against British rule in Kenya, during which tens of thousands were killed. In recent years, memorials there as well as in South Africa have honored the service of African veterans. Elsewhere, including in Senegal, they've commemorated injustice and violence that many endured post-war. For many in Algeria, the May 8 massacres awakened the anger and resolve that later fueled Algeria's war for independence. 'They understood that the only possible and unique path to independence was armed struggle,' historian Mohamed Ferrad said in an interview this week. V-E Day events have been going all week in Europe, where leaders have focused on the plight of Ukraine in its fight against Russia and values such as freedom and democracy. French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to speak on similar topics on Thursday evening. Meanwhile, Algeria's Ministry of War Veterans is marking the anniversary with a series of nationwide events and panels featuring firsthand accounts from veterans and lectures from historians on the battle for independence after 132 years of French colonialism. The massacres have been debated in popular books and films in Algeria and France and are a recurring theme when tensions flare between the two countries. Tebboune and Macron announced a truth commission-style 'dossier de memoire' in 2022, led by a committee of historians from both countries. However its activities have stalled as relations deteriorated over issues such as immigration and how France's juggles ties between Algeria and its regional rival Morocco. French leaders, including Macron, have called for truth and recognition but stopped short of fulfilling Algeria's demands for a formal state apology for the massacres. 'Algeria will never allow the memory issue to be forgotten or used as a bargaining chip, out of loyalty to our martyrs,' Tebboune wrote in his Wednesday letter. A delegation of around 30 French lawmakers from leftist and centrist parties arrived in Algiers on Wednesday to participate in the commemorations of the massacres.
El Chorouk
29-04-2025
- Politics
- El Chorouk
French Parliament Reopens Algerian Memory's Wounds With a New Harkis Law
A new French provocation against Algeria and Algerians has emerged, through the gate of the Harkis, amid unprecedented diplomatic tensions between the two countries. A group of members of the French National Assembly, the lower house of parliament, submitted a new draft to reopen the wounds of Algerians' collective memory by broadly recognising the 'harkis' and their families and compensating them with significant sums of money. This new provocation came through a draft law submitted to the French National Assembly, dated April 17, 2025, by 13 members of the lower house, checked out by Echorouk, through which Paris intends to reevaluate the amount of financial compensation awarded to Harkis and their families who lived in internment camps between March 20, 1962, and December 31, 1975, because the government considers them victims of discriminatory policies and systematic isolation within the French soil. Article 1 of the draft law stipulates that every Harki or one of his children who lived during this period in the camps is entitled to reassessed financial compensation, with each year or part thereof counted as part of the years due. Article 2 stipulates an amendment to Article 3 of the law of February 23, 2022, establishing a new national committee for the distribution of compensation. This committee will determine the amounts due to each individual based on the length of stay and living conditions within the camps. The document also emphasised that the damages to be compensated include, in addition to poor housing and deprivation of basic rights, arbitrary detention, ill-treatment by camp supervisors, lack of basic healthcare, and the failure of social assistance to reach beneficiaries directly. Article 3 stipulated amending the composition of the National Committee, including, in addition to MPs and official representatives, three members from the Harkis themselves, to ensure an 'independent voice' within the decision-making body. This constituted a precedent in granting a group that collaborated with colonialism new institutional weight within the French administrative system. Article 4 requires the French authorities to ensure that all compensation claim files are processed within six months from the date of submission, holding the state responsible for any delays resulting from a lack of human or material resources. It has been proposed to recruit 100 additional employees to monitor the files, given that approximately 14,000 files are currently pending. Article 5 proposed the establishment of a committee to oversee the financial management of the compensation fund, composed of representatives from parliament, the government, harki associations, and independent experts. This committee would submit a detailed annual report to the French parliament. To spare the French public treasury the burden of the amounts due from the revaluation of compensation, Article 6 stipulates the creation of an additional tax on tobacco sales, the proceeds of which will be directed to a compensation fund for harkis and their children. The dangerous aspect of the new text is that it does not limit to material compensation, but rather moves towards attempting to establish what is called 'full citizenship' for the 'harkis,' who lost their nationality under French Order No. 62-825 of July 21, 1962, which had set a short deadline for confirming their retention of French nationality. The drafters of the proposal considered this measure to be a 'voluntary political deprivation' of nationality, requiring moral compensation and full recognition.
