Today marks the 63rd anniversary of France ceding control of Algeria, a moment that has sparked renewed tensions between the two nations. The historically fraught relationship is once more under scrutiny as France recently announced it would re-evaluate the 1968 "special" agreement that facilitated Algerian immigration to France. This move, described by many as nostalgic and counterproductive, comes alongside a list from the Quai d'Orsay detailing Algerian nationals France seeks to repatriate. The reaction from Algiers has not been subtle. Indignation reigns as the Algerian government contemplates these developments, particularly against a backdrop where Algerian terrorists have, in recent years, attacked several French citizens on home soil.
As these geopolitical ripples spread, the cultural narrative surrounding colonialism and its aftermath continues to evolve. In late 2024, Driss Ghali released "A Counter-History of French Colonisation," a book that is both provocative and timely, addressing the lingering impacts of colonial history on modern-day France. Ghali, a writer of Moroccan descent, utilizes his dual heritage to analyze the conflict's complexities, offering a fresh perspective on a topic often framed in binaries of good and evil.
Ghali's book is a response to what he describes as a "poison distilled in bad faith" by proponents of postcolonial theories. His arguments resonate amid a divisive French landscape, characterized by a palpable tension often referred to colloquially as civil war by various commentators. Ghali positions the societal fractures within France as symptomatic of a larger clash between adherents to a traditional French identity and those who reject these values vehemently.
Although the specter of civil war might seem an exaggeration to outsiders, it’s become a considerable theme within French literature and political discourse. Notably, bestselling authors like Michel Houellebecq have explored these themes, while the narrative has also found its way into popular media, including the Netflix drama "Athena" which portrays confrontations between police and marginalized communities in the banlieues. These cultural works reflect the rising alarm over France's societal fragmentation.
Further compounding these tensions are the sentiments expressed in an open letter published in April 2021 by Valeurs Actuelles, which drew support from retired military officials decrying the perceived threats to French values from rising Islamism and the so-called "hordes from the banlieues." Just as civil war scenarios are articulated in fictional narratives, they spill over into political rhetoric. Marine Le Pen and her Rassemblement National party have echoed similar themes, emphasizing national security and cultural integrity.
The roots of France’s colonial past are deep, stretching back to King Charles X’s invasion of Algeria in 1830. The ensuing struggle for autonomy, beginning in 1954, was marred by violence, with France employing torture and mass killings to control the Algerian resistance. This dark legacy haunts contemporary France, especially on reflective dates like March 19, reminding the citizens of their tumultuous history.
This tumultuous past continues to affect present-day relations and perceptions in France and Algeria alike. The 1990s civil war in Algeria, which tragically resulted in around 200,000 deaths, underscores the painful echoes of colonialism that often ripple through the Mediterranean. While France has largely moved on, Algeria’s struggles with governance and stability reflect a failure to capitalize on the chances presented by independence.
The dynamic between France and Algeria is complicated by immigration patterns; approximately 30% of immigrants in France come from North Africa, contributing to a significant Muslim population exceeding five million. Yet, rather than fostering integration, these demographics have fueled tensions, with a narrative of "reverse colonialism" gaining traction among some sectors of the French public.
Critical voices such as Ghali highlight the exclusive perspective now adopted by parts of French society regarding immigrants from former colonies. He likens the situation to a betrayal of their homelands, framing it as a cycle of dependency and unrest—where economic activity in France is met with cultural backlash from some marginalized sectors.
The complexities of these interwoven identities shed light on an often overlooked aspect of modern French life. Ghali’s assertions are particularly poignant as he navigates the cultural richness that has emerged alongside the tumult of France's colonial history. He underscores the importance of addressing the shared historical narrative to achieve any semblance of reconciliation.
President Emmanuel Macron has taken tentative steps toward acknowledging France's historical misdeeds, notably recognizing the "disappearance" of prominent pro-Algerian activist Maurice Audin in 1957 as an error in judgment. However, many see these overtures as lacking substance in the face of an overwhelmingly one-sided reconciliation process.
The voices within Algeria itself are beginning to shift, with some progressive journals questioning entrenched narratives and the complicity of elites who benefit from ongoing anti-French sentiments. There is a notable generational shift emerging among North Africans, who are seeking a forward-looking approach to their shared histories rather than simply repeating the grievances of the past.
This evolving perspective includes discussions around the need for bilateral acknowledgment of past atrocities and a collective effort to construct a shared future. As the criminal elements within the banlieues remain a pressing issue—Paris saw around 100 gangland clashes in its suburbs in 2024—there is urgency in understanding and addressing the nuanced ties that bind France and Algeria.
The legacy of colonialism, as personified by figures like Ghali, must inform how France navigates its relationship with Algeria in the years to come. To break free from the historical resentment and create new pathways of cooperation, both societies need to engage in an honest, critical dialogue, marking a departure from mere nostalgia towards a shared, constructive future.
