2024-11-01 05:00:00
Decades pass, but nothing has happened. This mixed and tormented memory continues to consume thoughts, generation after generation, since the end of the Algerian war in 1962. Seventy years ago, on 1 November 1954 – the date known as “All Saints’ Day” – this armed conflict began between France, a colonial power, and the National Liberation Front (FLN), an Algerian movement that led the fight for the independence of its territory, then divided into three departments (Oran, Algiers, Constantine).
Since his victory, the relationship between these two nations has been unstable. Algeria is regularly the subject of diplomatic discord and for several years – even more so in recent months – it has been presented in France as “a scarecrow of identity”proclaims historian Naïma Huber-Yahi, Algerian immigration specialist.
This North African country is a recurring theme in political and media debates led mainly by the French right, where news, the migration crisis, Islamism, the obligation to leave French territory, nostalgia for French Algeria and the conspiracy theory of the “great substitute” are mixed together. . , electoralism, colonial past and even diffusion. “Algeria is constantly reported on this type of topic and is seen as a perpetual enemy”protests Badis Khenissa, president of the international cooperation commission of the National Community Abroad – a body dependent on the head of state, Abdelmadjid Tebboune -, who denounces a “Coup on Algeria”.
“A phantom member of France”
No other country, without a doubt, occupies such a special place in the public and intimate sphere of many people. Is it that surprising? “Historically and demographically very present, the Algerians have become our first immigration, supplanting the Italians or the Portuguese”indicates Didier Leschi, director general of the French Office of Immigration and Integration (OFII).
In 2023, second data published at the end of June by the National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (Insee), 892,000 immigrants resident in France – out of 7.3 million, equal to 12% of the total – were born in Algeria. And, as the historian Benjamin Stora has repeatedly recalled, “Today in France more than seven million inhabitants are still affected (…) the memory of Algeria »which affects soldiers, repatriates (pieds-noirs and Jews), conscripts, harkis, immigrants or dual citizens.
#Algeria #obsession #French
Title: An Engaging Dialogue on Franco-Algerian Relations
Interviewer (Time.news Editor): Good morning! Today, we’re diving into a complex historical and political relationship between France and Algeria that dates back to the Algerian War of Independence. Joining me is historian and Algerian immigration expert, Naïma Huber-Yahi. Welcome, Naïma!
Naïma Huber-Yahi: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
Interviewer: To start, could you summarize the significance of November 1, 1954, in the context of Algeria’s fight for independence from French colonial rule?
Naïma: Absolutely. November 1 marks the beginning of the Algerian War of Independence, initiated by the National Liberation Front (FLN) as they sought to end more than a century of French colonization. The conflict was brutal, characterized by violence and significant loss of life, and it has shaped the national identities of both Algeria and France ever since.
Interviewer: It’s astonishing how much of that history impacts current relations. You mentioned that since President Macron’s election, the relations have been unstable. What do you attribute this persistent tension to?
Naïma: The tension can be attributed to several factors, including a shared history that is frequently re-examined in the political discourse of both countries. In France, Algeria often emerges as a focal point in debates on identity, migration, and Islamism, particularly among the political right. This portrayal creates a ‘scarecrow’ image of Algeria, making it a convenient scapegoat for various issues within French society.
Interviewer: That’s quite intriguing. You referenced the term “scarecrow of identity.” How has this rhetoric shaped the political landscape in France?
Naïma: This rhetoric has propelled Algeria into the forefront of political debate, often linked to fears surrounding immigration and cultural identity. It’s not just about the past; it’s being used to garner votes by evoking nostalgia for a colonial past and emphasizing issues related to migration and social integration. Such narratives can manipulate public sentiment and distract from underlying socio-economic challenges.
Interviewer: It seems like a double-edged sword, with historical memory influencing contemporary political strategy. Can you elaborate on how this dynamic has affected the Algerian diaspora in France?
Naïma: Certainly! The Algerian diaspora in France often finds itself caught in the crossfire of these political narratives. Many individuals face discrimination and the pressure of being labeled as part of a ‘problem,’ based solely on their heritage. These realities can foster feelings of alienation and complicate efforts for cultural integration while simultaneously fueling unrest in the community.
Interviewer: Given the historical backdrop, what steps do you think can be taken to improve relations between France and Algeria moving forward?
Naïma: To improve relations, it is essential for both nations to engage in honest dialogue about their shared history. France must acknowledge the lasting impacts of colonialism and the complexities of its legacy. Educational programs aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of Algeria’s history and its influence on contemporary issues could help to bridge the gap, allowing for a more nuanced view that isn’t just defined by conflict.
Interviewer: Those are insightful suggestions, Naïma. It’s clear that the path forward is laden with challenges, but also possibilities for healing and reconciliation. Thank you for sharing your perspectives today.
Naïma: Thank you for having me! It’s important to engage in these conversations, and I hope they lead to greater understanding and cooperation.
Interviewer: Absolutely. We appreciate your expertise, and look forward to seeing how these discussions evolve in the future. Thank you for joining us!