GNV News – January 2, 2026

On December 24, 2025, a bill recognizing France’s colonial rule as a crime was unanimously passed in the Algerian parliament. Acts defined as crimes under this law include arbitrary killings, physical and psychological torture, systematic plunder of resources, and nuclear tests carried out in Algeria during the colonial period from 1830 to 1962. In addition, the law is also said to criminalize the glorification of colonial rule. The Algerian parliament is also demanding that France accept responsibility, apologize, and provide compensation for acts committed under colonial rule. While the law has no binding force under international law, it is believed to carry significant political weight.

This latest move by Algeria has been linked to a deterioration in diplomatic relations with France. The trigger is said to have been the French government’s decision in July 2024 to recognize Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara. Algeria supports the Polisario Front, which controls part of Western Sahara, and has long backed Western Sahara’s independence. Relations between Algeria and France have sharply worsened since this development, with a series of tit-for-tat measures such as the mutual expulsion of diplomats. In addition, discrimination against Algerian-origin immigrants living in France and the growing tendency in France to view colonial rule in a positive light are also considered factors behind Algeria’s discontent.

Another analysis points to Algeria’s economic self-reliance as a contributing factor. Over the past 20 years, Algeria has diversified its trade relations, strengthening economic ties in particular with countries such as China, Russia, Turkey, and Qatar. Some observers argue that the weakening of Algeria’s economic dependence on France paved the way for this law’s adoption. In addition, it has been suggested that the change of government in Algeria following large-scale protests in 2019 may have led the authorities to place greater emphasis on popular support.

While the passage of this law has been largely welcomed by people living in Algeria, the French government has criticized the move as hostile and an obstacle to dialogue.

Learn more about Algerian politics → “Change of government in Algeria?”

Learn more about Western Sahara → “Africa’s Largest Colony: Western Sahara”

Inside the Algerian parliament (Photo: Magharebia / Flickr [CC BY 2.0])