New Algerian law criminalising French colonialism reflects rising anger across Africa
After several months of preparation work, on December 24th the Algerian Parliament adopted a law which criminalises France's colonisation of the North African country and calls for reparations. Paris sees the move as another diplomatic affront amid the ongoing crisis in relations between the two countries. But as Driss Rejichi explains, this legislation is part of a wider movement across Africa seeking restorative justice.
Driss Rejichi
OnOn December 24th members of the People’s National Assembly, draped in scarves with the green and white colours of the Algerian flag, adopted a new law “criminalising colonialism”. To the sound of ululation and shouts of “Long live Algeria!”, all 27 articles were passed unanimously by the Algerian Parliament's lower house. In Paris the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was quick to describe the passing of this law against French colonialism as a “manifestly hostile” move.
