The speaker of Algeria’s lower house of parliament has called on France to officially acknowledge and apologize for the “nuclear crimes” committed during its colonial rule.
Ibrahim Boughali demanded an official French acknowledgement of responsibility for 17 nuclear tests conducted in the Algerian desert between 1960 and 1966. These tests had devastating long-term consequences, including environmental contamination, health problems for local populations, and significant psychological trauma.
The demand comes amid ongoing tensions in the relationship between the two countries. Algeria continues to seek a full reckoning with the legacy of French colonialism, including the unresolved issues of the Algerian War of Independence and the unresolved grievances of the Algerian people.
France’s refusal to fully address these historical injustices has hindered efforts to improve bilateral relations and build a more constructive partnership. Algeria’s demand for acknowledgement and compensation for the victims of nuclear testing is a significant step in this process and a reminder of the enduring legacy of colonialism on the region.”